Second Day of Christmas

December 26 honours St. Stephen (Święty Szczepan), the first Christian martyr. In Polish tradition, the second day of Christmas has long been associated with social visits and community gatherings. While Christmas Day (December 25) is spent with the closest family, December 26 extends the celebration to a wider circle. The tradition of visiting friends and extended relatives on this day has been maintained for centuries.

The main tradition of December 26 is visiting extended family and friends. Families travel to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who they could not visit on Christmas Day. Hosts prepare festive meals and share leftover Christmas delicacies. In some regions, particularly in the south of Poland, folk traditions associated with St. Stephen's Day are still observed, including the throwing of grain or seeds as a symbol of the stoning of St. Stephen.

December 26 has a more relaxed and social atmosphere than Christmas Day. Many people take walks, attend afternoon concerts or cultural events, or simply enjoy time with family. For those who travel, it is often the return journey day. With two days of Christmas plus the surrounding weekend, many Poles enjoy a long holiday break that extends through the New Year period.