Christmas Eve in our family is a big deal. The entire extended family gets together for an enormous feast that ends with a visit from Santa. We have several courses of traditional Polish meatless dishes and even more courses of family traditions.

We begin the meal by sharing our Christmas wafers with each member of the family. Even the littlest children hold onto their wafers and approach each person to bestow upon them their new year wishes. We say our prayers, finish our dinner, and wait for the first star of the evening.

We sing carols together in hopes that Santa will hear our voices and visit us. The little ones run around the house singing, peering out windows, and preparing for St. Nick. The adults decide who will change into the Santa costume and prepare all the gifts. We escort the "Santa" outside through the garage and the kids scream with nervous laughter when they hear a knock on the door.

Every year Santa visits us on Christmas Eve. Every year Santa gives presents to the children that have improved and learned something new in the last year. Last year, Lola spelled out her name for Santa, and he gave her a gift. Jay played a song on the piano for Santa, and was given a gift. My sister spoke in Wolof and was given a gift. Years ago, when I was in grade school, my siblings and I spent weeks perfecting our dance routine to "Everybody Dance Now." We were awesome.

With only 14 days left before Santa visits our family on our traditional Polish Christmas Eve the kiddos are preparing what they will show him. They have a couple of ideas and I wanted to add to them.

"How about singing a Polish song?" I ask Jay and Lola.

"No. I don't know how to talk Polish." Jay answers with a frown.

"But, I can teach you the words. There are so many beautiful Polish songs." I try to turn things around.

"I already know Polish songs." Lola jumps into the conversation with a smile. I wonder, did my mother teach her any songs? Has she been listening to the CDs I have been playing? It is possible. She picks things up rather quickly.

"Really? I would love to hear your Polish song Lola. Sing it to me." I ask her with admiration.

"I know POLISH. You know POLISH. We know POLISH. POLISH. POLISH. POLISH!" She sings in perfect melody.

I break out in giggles and it is contagious. We are so ready for you "Santa."