It is 10 p. m. so it means it is only 2 hours to my new journey into 2016. I hope you are going to travel with me and experience ups and downs in our public and private lives.
I believe it is going to be a better year in Europe but who knows. ...
The new journey begins shortly
But for sure ends here for each of us and I am not kidding..
Walking is one of my favourite activities. During my holiday and at weekends I walk long distances- the weather doesn't matter for me. Each season is perfect for walking. I walk about 3-5 km daily I think it is fair distance to be healthy and energetic.
This pond is located in near summer house. ( so it means about 1.5 km)
It is very popular with locals and fishermen.
I have a great company my small dog who loves walking. He was so tired and thirsty so he was so brave to drink water from the big pond.
There are a lot of pine trees in my place. I admire them every day and this year they have a lot of pine cones. Pine cones are beautiful I use them to make some decorations at my home.
Unfortunately the pine cones are situated in the top of the tree so it impossible to reach them. So I look for them under trees if you are lucky you can find some.
Christmas is a time of joy but we should remember in the past it was completely different. Walking my dog yesterday I visited the town cemetery which is very big. Of course taking the dog to the cemetery is forbidden so I left him next the fence.
The local cemetery is over 100 years old so there are a lot of graves here. In the centre is located a monument of people who were murdered by Nazis here. All of them were very young. It was a terrible time.
Great tribute the victims. All of them were Poles.In the town was the community of Jews. But after WWII and communist time they left Poland. In the graveyard a lot of Jews rest here.
The wooden chapel made from pine logs which dates back 1863. It was renovated a few years ago.
So Christmas 2015 is a history. Today is Saturday in Poland we don't celebrate Boxing Day but we celebrate Saint Szczepan Day or the second day of Christmas - is somebody doesn't believe in God. . It is national holiday, too so the all shops are closed. People celebrate with their families
Second Day of Christmas in Poland
Many people in Poland have a day off work on December 26 to celebrate the second Day of Christmas. Also known as St Stephen’s Day or Holy Szczepan, this national holiday is part of the Christmas holidays.
What Do People Do?
Together with Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and Christmas Day, Boxing Day is an important event that is celebrated in many Polish homes. Many churches host special services on Boxing Day, which is also a day for families to meet up and spend time together. Popular St Stephen’s Day activities include reenacting scenes of the Nativity in a play, as well as caroling with a crib (szopka) or star to homes.
Public Life
The second Day of Christmas is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.
Background
Many Christians in Poland and around the world celebrate St Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas Day. It is also known as the second day of Christmas. St Stephen’s Day commemorates a Christian saint, Stephen, who is believed to be the first Christian martyr. He was stoned to death sometime around the year 33 CE.
( from Wikipedia).
In my small town local authorities install Nativity as every year.It looks interesting. All statues are made of wood by local sculptures.
Nativity scene
Baby Jesus
In the background local church - the only one in the town.
Wow I started my Christmas at 6.15 a.m. to fed my dog as usual. Then it was a quick coffee and light breakfast. And my dog and I started our walk around the town. It usually takes us about one hour or more. Today it took us 80 minutes. The morning was very quiet most people were sleeping.
My front yard
The sky was very interesting
Now I am Preparing Christmas dinner so in the evevening I am going to show you my dishes.