What do you do for Wigilia?

Travel Info
What do you do for Wigilia?

Travel Tips

first we set the table with a white cloth and the oplatek is on the plate with the straw (don't have it readily available to put under the whole cloth)
we set one extra seat - when we can fit it
we welcome anyone from outside the norm (my sister in laws sister one year, etc) & try for the one extra seat empty
i take the youngest outside to find the first star
we come in usually to shouts of "we found it we found it"
we all gather and share the oplatek
we have a 9 to 13 course meatless meal - which starts ONLY after the first course of the pickled herring (those that don't eat it have to wait!)
next course is clam chowder.... i know not really normal but it's the one thing my sister in law brings to the table & we want her to be a part so - we've added clam chowder!
pierogi, perch, mushrooms, beets..... on and on
the youngest pass out a gift to each person and we all watch while they open it (i usually take them to the dollar store and we spend hours finding just the right thing)
we sit a round and talk
most people then go home
my mom starts cleaning (hey we try to help and she gets mad)
my dad & i go to midnight mass - the kolendy start at 11:15pm - he's on the choir
at midnight the lights go out, Ks Wally knocks on the door and in starts the procession with him carrying the i nfant Jesus to the manger behind the star ....

ooh i'm getting teary just thinking about it!!!

Others
For Wigilia we usually have a really big meal with our family to usually about 10-12 meals. . Before we start eating we share the oplatek. We have traditional meals like uszka(mushroom dumplings),barszcz and fish.then after we share the meal we all open presents.At midnight many people go to church and sing christmas carols.
mee(im polish lol 100%)