Christmas socks
In December, we often focus on family and friends. We want them to be satisfied and happy. This is a commendable practice, but in doing so, one should not forget about one's own needs. Christmas is a beautiful time, but it also brings with it some risks. It's easy to get irritated and angry, and after all, no one would want to spend their free time treating tarnished nerves. Sometimes a change of attitude alone helps. This is a period when it's worth getting rid of perfectionism. Christmas is never perfect, but it is the unexpected events that are most fondly remembered years later. Are you annoyed that your aunt asks every year when you will change your matrimonial status? Maybe before she asks the traditional question, start the conversation yourself, or outright say that this is too private a topic and talking about it violates your boundaries. There is no one-size-fits-all way to deal with nosy relatives, but you can always prepare some tactics to help you avoid stress. It's also a good plan to determine your holiday styling in advance. This will help you avoid a nervous search for the right outfit. And when it comes to Christmas clothes, Christmas socks must not be among them. Socks with reindeer, socks with a lead soldier and socks with a winter fireplace are by far the most popular at this time. Those who prefer uniform models mostly choose classic suit socks.
Symbolism of the 12 dishes
In Poland, 12 Christmas Eve dishes are mentioned very often. However, have you ever wondered what they symbolize? Both the number itself and the specific dishes are important here. There are two most popular interpretations. 12 is the number of apostles and the months of the year. Each dish is meant to symbolize one month. It was believed that as a result, there would be no shortage of food on the table throughout the year. Depending on the region of the country, various specialties are served at our suppers. However, the significance can be sought not only in the dishes themselves, but also in the ingredients used. Poppy seeds can appear, for example, in poppy seed cake, kutia or łazanki. Regardless of the form of serving, it is associated with prosperity. Wheat grains, a sign of life, are also an ingredient in similar dishes. Nuts are also often added to sweet baked goods. This is not only an extremely healthy snack, but additionally a symbol of wisdom. In most Polish homes, dishes are also prepared with mushrooms and cabbage. The former are responsible for prosperity. It was once believed that mushrooms do not belong to the world of humans, but to the land lying on the borderline between life and death. This is why eating mushrooms was believed to facilitate communication with the dead. Cabbage, on the other hand, is responsible for strength and energy. The combination of the two ingredients represents a symbolic fusion of the world of the living and the dead. Fish is closely linked to the Christian tradition, in which the sign of the fish was a symbol of the first Christians. Now that we have the menu prepared, there is still something left to drink. Dried compote is loved by some and mentioned with distaste by others. What is certain, however, is that it aids digestion. Depending on what fruits you add to the drink, compote can have different meanings. Plums are said to guarantee longevity, apples provide love, and figs provide a prosperous and secure life.
