Give your Christmas a bit of Polish

Polish Carp for Christmas

Just Recruitment’s payroll team explain how Christmas is celebrated in their home country of Poland

It is easy to think that the Christmas traditions many of us enjoy in the UK are the same the world over. But when you work alongside people who hail from other countries, you soon learn about the diversity of practice when it comes to celebrating the festive season.

    We spend Christmas Eve preparing traditional food, including piernik, which are gingerbreads. No food is eaten until the first star is seen in the sky,...  

At Just Recruitment, the payroll team of Anita Switon and Jola Jaworska have been teaching their colleagues about Christmas in their native Poland. They know the season as Boże Narodzenie, and it’s just as full of traditions and customs as a British Christmas. They outline its main elements below.

Advent: “Advent is the time when people give up their favourite food and drinks in preparation for Christmas,’ explains Anita. “The season begins with a special mass called Roraty. This is held at dawn on 1 December and dedicated to the Virgin Mary for receiving the news of her pregnancy from the Angel Gabriel.”

Christmas Eve: “We call Christmas Eve Wigilia,” says Jola. “According to tradition, Poles clean their houses in the morning and decorate the Christmas tree. This is usually finished with a star on the top, gingerbreads, lights and baubles. We spend the day preparing traditional food, including piernik, which are gingerbreads. No food is eaten until the first star is seen in the sky, representing the Star of Bethlehem that hung over the stable where Christ was born. Children spend a lot of the afternoon looking out for that star!”

“Families gather for Christmas Eve dinner,” continues Anita. “They wear their finest festive clothes and share a Christmas wafer known as an oplatek. We make Christmas wishes while eating it, then just before dinner we read the Bible and pray together.

A collage of Polish Christmas Food“According to tradition, a bit of hay is left under each plate on the table to remind us that Christ was born in a manger. We also leave an empty place at the table for any unexpected guest. It’s our belief that no one should be alone on this special night.”

Jola picks up: “Tradition has it that there are 12 dishes on the table to symbolise the 12 Apostles. Each person is expected to try a bit of each dish: it’s thought to bring you luck for the coming year.

“The Christmas Eve supper beings with barszcz (beetroot soup) or mushroom soup served with small mushroom-filled dumplings called uszka (“little ears”). The main dish is carp, which is fried, jellied or baked. Its scales are thought to bring good fortune, so guests scrape them off and put them in their wallets.

“Various other fish dishes are served hot or cold. These include herrings in a cream sauce, fried fish covered in vegetables (called “Greek fish”) or with raisins (“Judish fish”). The meal will also feature pierogi: dumplings filled with mushrooms, pickled cabbage, or cottage cheese and potatoes. They are served with fried onions.”

    Because Poland’s borders have changed through the years, different parts of the country use different names for Santa:...  

“We also have a traditional Christmas drink,” Anita adds. “It is called kompot z suszu and is made of dried fruit and fresh apples. Meanwhile, for pudding, we have kutia, made with dried fruit and pasta, makowiec, which is a roll made of poppy seeds, and gingerbreads that have been decorated by children. We also enjoy cheesecake – a very traditional dish in Poland.

“While the dinner ensues, guests listen to kolędy – Christmas carols. We usually start to sing along after the meal, at which point it’s customary to share presents. This is different from England, I think, where you open presents on Christmas Day.

“For a Polish Christmas, one of the dinner guests dresses up as Santa Claus and distributes the presents. Because Poland’s borders have changed through the years, different parts of the country use different names for Santa: Dziadek Mroz (“Jack Frost”) is used in the east, and Gwiazdor (“the Starman”) is used in the west and north of the country. If a child has been naughty, Gwiazdor may not bring presents, but give them a birch rod, known as rózga, instead.”

“At the end of the Christmas Eve festivities, most families head to church for Midnight Mass, called Pasterka,” says Jola. “Then it’s off to bed, before spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day in a much quieter way – usually visiting family or friends.”

So there you have it: it is clear from Jola and Anita that the perfect Polish Christmas is very different from that of your average Briton. But both share key elements, including a celebration of the religious aspect of the festival, a tradition-filled meal with friends and family, the giving and receiving of presents, and lots of singing and laughter.

Which just leaves us with one thing to say: have a very happy Christmas, wherever you’re celebrating!

 

© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2020

Published: 11 December 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: 1647. A year when Christmas was banned, lemons were sucked, and Father Christmas was born.

You may also enjoy: Silent Night - the Christmas song with UNESCO special status

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more