Christmas in the homes of the Wiślaki

For many of us, Christmas is the one time of year when we can pause, slow down, and spend time with loved ones, enjoying moments of peace and quiet. Above all, however, this time is rich in deeply rooted holiday traditions. These customs are also well-known in the homes of the reserve team players and the younger White Star squad, who shared their thoughts on Christmas Eve rituals, holiday preparations, and desired gifts.

Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the Christian tradition. It is associated with numerous customs, rituals, and symbols, which are particularly evident during the Christmas Eve meal. Among the most important of these are the 12 dishes on the Christmas Eve table, the sharing of the Christmas wafer, the exchange of best wishes, and leaving extra space for an unexpected guest. Which of these traditions are cultivated in the homes of Wisła Kraków players?

P. Moskiewicz: "I think there's nothing special about us that isn't found in other Polish homes. We sit down at the table after seeing the first star. There may not be twelve dishes on the table, but there's always mushroom soup, borscht, carp, and pierogi. There's hay under the tablecloth and an extra place setting. Santa Claus brings presents and they're opened after dinner."

Ł. Staniów: "Apart from the commonly known customs, my family and I always spend Christmas Eve at my grandparents'. This is unchangeable."

B. Skoczek: "The whole family always gathers at the Christmas Eve table in my family home. We prepare twelve dishes, sing carols, and after dinner we open presents."

Christmas Eve wouldn't be complete without traditional dishes that have become a staple of Polish tradition. Borscht with dumplings, pierogi stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms, peas with cabbage, and carp are just a few of the many delicacies that grace Christmas Eve tables. Which dishes are most eagerly awaited by the White Star players?

P. Moskiewicz: "Definitely borscht and pierogi"

Ł. Staniów: "Borscht with dumplings and pierogi"

B. Skoczek: "My favorite dish is borscht with dumplings"

Gift-giving is another integral part of Christmas. While gifts under the tree are almost an integral part of Christmas Eve dinner, choosing the right gift can be quite a challenge. Do Wisła Kraków players have their dream gifts?

P. Moskiewicz: "I haven't thought about it. If I had to choose, a nice book would definitely make me happy."

Ł. Staniów: "I don't have one specific thing I would like to receive"

B. Jumper: "I think this is my favorite player's game jersey"

The pre-Christmas period is associated with a flurry of preparations, which typically peaks on Christmas Eve morning. This is when Polish homes decorate the Christmas tree and prepare Christmas Eve dishes. Do the White Star players engage in holiday preparations? What do they do then?

P. Moskiewicz: "I always help in the kitchen. It's much more interesting than cleaning. The advantage is that I can snack and try various delicacies."

Ł. Staniów: "In my house, I decorate the Christmas tree. I do it together with my sister"

B. Skoczek: "I usually decorate the Christmas tree and wrap presents"

The festive atmosphere and the approaching end of the year encourage reflection, summing up the past months, and considering the future. So what can we wish Wisła Kraków players this holiday season and in the coming New Year?

P. Moskiewicz: "Nothing but health and I would like to wish the same to the entire Wisła community!"

Ł. Staniów: "I think health, because that's the most important thing"

B. Skoczek: "First and foremost, the joy of being with loved ones and the successes and inspiring challenges in the coming year"