Wigilia, a solemn Christmas Eve dinner celebrated on the night before Midnight Mass of the Christmas Day, is perhaps the most important evening in the Polish Christmas tradition. A meal of coming together, peace and forgiveness reunites families and friends not unlike the American Thanksgiving holiday, and an extra plate is always set, waiting for the “uninvited guest,” friend or stranger, who might visit on that night and must not be turned away but will be welcomed like a dear family member.