Wow, the weather outside is dreadful... but don't worry, you'll be warm and cosy in no time! See what Christmas delicacies await you in Poland over the next few days and how you will party with your Polish friends or relatives.

Rózga - Santa gives gifts to good children, but naughty children can get rózga (a rod) instead! - or so Polish parents want to tell their children. You'd best be careful, Santa knows what's going on!

Szopka krakowska - Custom of creating Kraków nativity scenes goes back to the nineteenth century and was recently added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What distinguishes these decorations from traditional nativity scenes? The Kraków szopka is a brightly coloured, ornate building that uses Kraków's iconic landmarks as the setting for a nativity scene. These one-of-a-kind inventions are handcrafted by talented designers and are often exhibited in museums during the holiday season.

Tangerine - Smells tangerines, bananas, gingerbread... and bigos in Poland at Christmas time.

Tree – and we say, naturally, a Christmas tree by a branch. The entire family has traditionally been decorated on Christmas Eve's morning, however, nowadays a few days before Weihnachts the tree is always placed and saved some time on the big day.

Uszka - the tiny dumplings that float in your Christmas barszcz are called "little ears," literally, and filled with chopped beef, chocolate and mushrooms. If you can see, without pierogi in one way or another, no true celebration can take place.

Visitor - An unanticipated visitor. On their Christmas Eve table, Poles often set up an additional plate for "an unforeseen tourist" or a "crazy traveller." After all, at Christmas, nobody should be left alone. While it is doubtful that any of the missing walkers will visit, the lovely tradition reminds of all the business during the holiday season.

Wigilia - which comes from the Latin term vigilia - wakefulness or vigiliare - is said to be kept watchful on the day of Christmas Eve. The most critical aspect of Poles' Christmas celebration is likely Wigilia and the solemn Christmas Eve dinner.

Zupa grzybowa - You can still decide on zupa if you're not one for beets and barszcz

Grzybowa (mushroom soup), another Christmas Eve food in Poland

Życzenia świąteczne - Christmas wishes. Wesołych Świąt everyone! Have a joyful Christmas season and a very Happy New Year!