ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper

Okay, kiddo, so you know how Christmas Eve is a special night before Christmas Day, right? In some countries, like Poland, people celebrate this night by having a big dinner with lots of yummy food. This dinner is called "twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper."

Now, why twelve dishes, you ask? Well, it's because there were twelve apostles who followed Jesus, and this meal is meant to honor them.

Each dish has its own special meaning and story. For example, there might be a soup made of mushrooms, which represents humility, or a dish with fish, which symbolizes Jesus' disciples who were fishermen. Another dish might have honey, which stands for the sweetness of life.

But wait, there's more! It’s also a special tradition to leave an empty chair at the table for an unexpected guest, or even the Holy Family. Just in case anyone drops by to join in on the feast.

So, there you have it, little buddy. Christmas Eve supper is a special meal celebrated in some parts of the world with twelve dishes, each having its own unique meaning and symbolization.