“The Bellak/Benker/Kozior Christmas Eve tradition started 100 years ago. We are now over five generations,” said Allison Parise, daughter of Sun City residents Art and Ann Benker.
The multi-generation and multi-family celebration also includes a multitude of food and activities.
“Santa Claus comes each year. We have had many menus. The food that is served is in the Polish tradition: baked hams, Pierogi, homemade horseradish, polish sausage, rye bread, Kiska, many homemade desserts. In years past we would eat and all go to midnight mass,” Parise said.
This Christmas Eve was no exception.
The Bellaks/Benkers/Koziors show off their ‘ugly’ Christmas sweaters. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
“This year included in the Polish menu is Czarnina,” said Ann Benker. Czarnina is a Polish soup made of duck blood and clear poultry broth.
Jackie Bellak Fricke agreed.
“The food, some traditional and some new favorites, is always plentiful, as is the liquid holiday cheer,” he said.
Parise added that this year had a dress requirement.
“This year we are doing ugly Christmas sweaters or red or green sweaters,” she said.
How did the tradition begin?
Parise explains, “Our first Christmas Eve celebration was held in Chicago. For many years the family gathered in Chicago to celebrate. As the years went on, the tradition continued at different relatives’ homes, including homes in Chicago, Naperville, Norridge, and most recently for many years, Huntley.”
Maryann Bellak remembers the tradition well.
“As a child growing up in the fifties, our family’s Christmas Eve celebration was the big night. The anticipation of Santa’s arrival was so exciting! We could actually hear the reindeer’s hooves on the roof of the house then there was the sound of bells and Santa’s arrival. We all sang Jingle Bells to welcome him into the crowded room. Everyone was there, Busia and Grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins! It was always a laughter-filled, happy time,” said Bellak.
Part of the joy is simply reminiscing, according to Fricke.
“Our conversations always include our fond memories about Christmases past and, of course, of our family members who have passed,” he said.
Who now are the oldest and youngest members of this long family tradition?
“Robert Benker 3rd generation. He is 89 years old, and Bauer Fricke, fifth generation, is almost twenty months old,” said Parise.
Fricke recalls, “Christmas Eve was and still is the most exciting and festive family event each year. It was mandatory that you arrive before ‘Santee Claus,’ which always seemed late as you waited in anticipation as a child, a parent or a grandparent. When you hear the bells start to jingle you know Santa will be walking in the door very soon. Santa likes to survey the family regarding each person who is called up to receive a gift. Was this person naughty or nice this year?”
Another tradition the family upholds is that of sharing Oplatki. Oplatki is a Polish tradition for Christmas Eve that began during early Christian times. It is a simple white wafer with ingredients of only flour and water. The wafers display Christmas images, such as the Nativity. Usually, the oldest member of the family will break off a piece of the wafer and pass it on to another family member with a blessing.
Parise adds, “We have had groups of 50-60 relatives each year.”
“I am forever grateful to those who have hosted and hope the tradition will continue for another century!” said Fricke.
Richie Kozior believes “There is nothing as important as family. Nothing should even come in-between a family! And most of all, food is the basis of all gatherings.”
