Mikołaj - 6.XII versus 24/25.XII in Poland

To be honest I don't remember when I stopped to believe in Santa Claus. I know only it was in very early age (and does not traumatized me at all, lol). I also don't remember when I was gifted with gifts from Santa. Was it on Christmas or in the day of St. Nicholas (in Poland called Mikołajki) ? Damn... I have to ask my parents. But nevermind :)

Trying to find out how actually people deal with this "problem" I found 3 "traditions":

- Little Santa and Big Santa (na małego Mikołaja i dużego Mikołaja): polish kids are really favoured by Santa because he visits them twice. First on 6 dec. giving them sweets and little gifts, then in the night of Christmas giving them more "sophisticated" stuff ;>

- Santa Clause comes only on 6 dec. On 24.XII the gifts are given by family

- Santa Clause comes only 6 dec. On 24.XII gifts are brought by Gwiazdor (no, not by Michał Wiśniewski ;P) or by the Angel (that's why in Poland we ask: "co chcesz dostać na Gwiazdkę?")

How was it in your family? How is it in your country?

that's how it was in my family... Gwiazdka brought presents on 12/24... and sw. Mikolaj on 12/06...
:)
no trauma what so ever... ;)

In Ireland, presents on the 25th and the big meal/family thing too.

Occasionally, some people exchange presents (family) on the 24th but the 25th is more the norm and it is the "Santa " day.

No other dates are particularly significant unless you are religious - 6/12 or 8/01 barely register with most people.

The Santa thing? I can't remember how it was explained to be honest but I have a couple of nieces who are nearing the age of cynicism so I will pay close attention to excuses etc!

Not on the Christmas Eve?
In Poland on 25 dec we are laying in beds, watching tv and feeling sick with the yesterday meal (I mean eating to much of yesterday meal)

Nope. Christmas Eve is either pub (which closes early) or family.

Earlier in the day, last minute shopping.


That's what we do on the 26th : )

Other pastimes for this date (although not for me) include drinking all day (the reopening of the pubs) and it's also a big horseracing day.