Polish Hospitality at Christmas Time

Hello... I'm living and teaching English in Poland. Been here since September.

I am not going home to Canada for the holidays.

I've been asked my my collegues, friends and students:
what my plans are for Christmas?
if i have been invited to anyones house?
if i have family in PL?
or if i go back home?

The answer to all the above is-- I am staying here, i have no family here, and that no one has invited me to join them for anything.

Now from what i hear, after talking to my students and friends, is that Polish families set an extra place at the tables during meals for a new friend/stranger with no place go, to come and join them. They also make sure that people they know are not forgotten during this time.

I have not been invited by a single person to do anything with them. It sucks. I work with 12 people, have friends outside of work, and not a single invite.

Back home in Canada, my parents have a standing tradition...if there is anyone we know that has no place to go for xmas day, they are more than welcome to be at our house. And they are invited no matter what.

just with many things in life.... another disappointment.

i hope your holiday is better than mine :|

I'm sorry to hear this. For me it is a test of the Christmas spirit to allow a stranger through the door on Christmas Eve.

Have you thought about booking into a hotel. I know that in the mountains some hotels have a special Christmas Eve meal for guests. It might not be too late.

Dont worry mate, its not as abd as you think, im here with my family ut its horrible,

Christmas is just a bore, same shite music ect, im 20 so its just crap, its for parents and little kiddies.

and people that like to socialize and party :)

ppl do that anyway lol

I'd love to read what you'd say 10 - 20 years from now...Oh, to be 20 and ignorant - again.... :)

u know you have alot of years ahead of you, dont let bitterness eat you up.
live for now, and go out and have some fun, but let the other stuff go. maybe
if you give others a chance, they will bring you out of that I hate the world right
now mode.

u know you have alot of years ahead of you

Unfortunately.!

Although it's true, it is more of a tradition than reality since I've never actually heard that anybody uninvited ever 'crashed' Christmas Eve dinner. Having said that nothing prevents you to challenge the tradition and show up at somebody's door step. Choose somebody you like most and explain the situation. If you find this too daring why don't you call that person and tell him/her that you have nowhere to go and you are disappointed and it's more than likely that you'll get invited if not for Christmas Eve then certainly for Christmas itself.

Wish you all the best & Merry Christmas.

And Christians...........