On December 17, Karol Nawrocki announced that a Christmas tree will be erected outside the Polish Presidential Palace, allegedly arriving from the Tatra Mountains.
Christmas Tree From the Tatra Mountains
On Wednesday, 17 December, Paweł Szefernaker, head of the president’s office, revealed that a Christmas tree will stand outside the Presidential Palace, allegedly coming from the Tatra Mountains.
He noted that Christianity is deeply rooted in Poland and that faith gives Poles strength and hope, and that family and community form the state’s foundation.
Christmas Traditions in the Sejm
During a “Rzeczpospolita” interview, Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty confirmed that Christmas traditions would continue, stating that he respects tradition rather than ideology.
A Christmas tree already stands in the parliament building, and a celebratory gathering for MPs and senators was planned. Vice‑Marshal Krzysztof Bosak also reported that a nativity scene appeared in the Sejm.
No Hanukkah in the Presidential Palace
Earlier reports indicated that President Karol Nawrocki would forgo the Hanukkah candle‑lighting ceremony, a tradition instituted by former President Lech Kaczyński.
According to “Rzeczpospolita,” there will be no Hanukkah celebration at the Palace this year, and Jewish community members said they had not received any invitations. The Palace did not respond to inquiries.
During his campaign, Nawrocki answered that he would not light Hanukkah candles because he focuses on Christian traditions that align with his personal beliefs; however, a menorah was lit in the Sejm during a ceremony attended by Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty.
