Let’s imagine a space alien (once referred to as “a little green man”) sent to America in December (or November or October). Wondering about all the bright lights, glittery decorations and hard-sell sales promotions, he might have to ask what it was all about. “It all has to do with Christmas,” people would tell him. When inquiring what Christmas is, someone might tell him “it’s a holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.” After finding out that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior, Redeemer and Prince of Peace, our alien would be able to write up his report. Back at headquarters on his home planet, a light year or two away, our alien could present his report to the Planetary Leader who had sent him on a reconnaissance mission to Earth: “Earthlings celebrate the birth of their God at this time of year.
He is portrayed in store windows and newspaper ads, on billboards, TV, the Internet and on people’s lawns as a rather squat, fat, overgrown grinning elf in a red, fur-trimmed suit. He is often shown with even smaller elves and creatures with twisted horns protruding from their heads. The name of this deity is Santa Claus and his birthday is celebrated by people storming merchandise-distribution centers known as shopping malls. I was unable to establish why exactly they do that. In their places of religious worship they do not display the overweight, full-grown deity in his pompon-tipped elf’s cap, but they show him as a baby in a hay-filled manger.” Can we really blame our mythical space visitor for drawing such conclusions? After all, he was merely reporting on what he saw. To today’s merchandising establishment, Christmas has largely degenerated into one, long, high-powered, razzle-dazzle sales promotion whose purpose is maximum profits by getting people to squander their hard-earned money and cluttering their homes with many things nobody really needs.
To many American kids these days, not excluding those of Polish background –Christmas has become mainly about “getting presents from Santa”. To the adult half of the population it often centers on high-powered shopping, home-decorating and partying. In many homes, the main attraction is that mad rush to the tree on Christmas morning. Later in the day it’s “that big Christmas dinner” which is often little more than a re-run of Thanksgiving. When the table is cleared away, many stay glued to the TV set, play cards or computer games. In many cases, there truly is “no room at the inn” for the One whose birthday was the reason for the celebration in the first place. Fortunately, our Polish heritage can come to the rescue.
Polish-style Christmas has remained close to the roots. It is more symbolic, meaningful and beautiful than all the noisy Anglo-commercial hoopla. It centers on Wigilia (Christmas Eve), the single most important day of the year. Maybe this is the year to give all the electronic gadgetry a rest and relearn how to enjoy the simple pleasures of Christmas in the company of loved ones. Why not suggest singing kolędy together, recall old legends and share your childhood Christmas recollections with members of the younger set. Being extra kind to others on Christmas Eve, the first star of the evening, hay under the table-cloth, the extra place-setting at the table, the sharing of opłatek, the once-a-year meatless dishes, the old folk beliefs, Pasterka (Midnight Mass) at a Polish parish – that is what it’s all about.
These slower-paced, more symbolic and people-friendly traditions may be a refreshing change of pace from the loud, aggressive, super-commercialized, mega-high-tech-style “Seasonal Greetings” and “Happy Holidays” being peddled by the big-money powers out after our credit cards. The extent to which traditional Polish customs are revived and the actual form they take is something everyone must decide for himself. Some customs can easily be incorporated into our families’ existing holiday routines without much added effort. Others, particularly those requiring costumes, props and special talents, can best be re-enacted in auditoriums at opłatek-dinners and other community affairs. But all of them can be recalled, talked about and shared in the family circle, especially with the inquisitive younger folk who are just starting to learn about the world. Make sure you also have some input, so that Hollywood, TV, rock stars and the Internet are not their only sources of information.
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