Polish Santa Nutcracker ES1834

In 2002 the Steinbach Christmas Legends Nutcracker Series welcomed  a nutcracker that came from a county rich in tradition and folklore. The Polish Santa nutcracker (ES1834), became the ninth in the series. This nutcracker was limited to 7,500 pieces and plays a traditional Polish polka. The highlight of the Christmas celebrations in Poland is Christmas Eve as the family watches for the first star of the night or Gwiazdka (Little Star), in remembrance of the star of Bethlehem. The moment the star appears, everyone exchanges greetings and good wishes. Families unite for the most carefully planned meal of the year called Wigilia, the Christmas supper, which ends a 24 hour fast. According to tradition, bits of hay are spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger. Also an empty place setting is left at the table for a stranger, the spirit of a deceased member of the family or the Holy Spirit. Traditionally there is no meat served during the Wigilia, yet the meal is plentiful and luxurious with dishes like dumplings, varieties of fish and noodles with poppy seeds.