We were invited to an event showcasing the Christmas traditions of Poland and Ukrania today. This was great because it was our first official event as Experience My Culture, but it couldn't have been more emblematic of what this site is all about. 

Traditionally Polish and Ukranian people have had a fairly cool relationship with each other - like many other near neighbours across the globe, historical enmity has passed from generation to generation with many people forgetting why. In the case of these two near neighbours, more recent political events have meant at least an official thawing.

But even with official permission to be friends it takes more than a signature on a document to unpick historic hostilities that run deep.That is why today's event was so special. It was organised cooperatively between Ukaranian and Polish people and featured a choir from each culture. It reinforced the power of reconciliation that exists whereever people are prepared to come together and share.

That is what Experience My Culture is all about. 

Guests were treated to an account from each of what constituted Christmas for each of them - and again it was the similarities that made the difference. Each culture were proud of their own traditions - the more so for sharing them with others. 

I was fascinated at how the Christmas celebrations for each culture start on different days: Polish on December 24th, Ukranian on January 6th, one following the Gregorian calendar, the other following the Julian calendar of the Orthodox church.

Both cultures give presents, but on St Nicholas' Day, December 6th, and both cultures share the sense that Christmas is a family time. I was struck by the tradition of always leaving an empty place setting at the table for people who could not be, or who were no longer, there.

We've added a few photographs of the two choirs at the event, but we mustn't close without mentioning the other highlight of the day: the food. Again there was pride in the traditional baking of each country - including Honey cake made to a family recipe. I was introduced to pickled Herrings - despite my wariness they were absolutely delicious. 

Watch this space - we intend to pursue recipes for our new Experience My Culture food group!

When we had the idea of a web site where people could share experiences of their culture with each other we weren't too sure how it would work. Then we started thinking about our own cultural experiences and just between us we were suddenly enjoying a wealth of tales that weaved between things we held in common - but didn't know we did, or assumed we wouldn't - and exciting, fascinating accounts of growing up in different places, or simply the way we live our lives.

We were telling each other stories, and that is what Experience My Culture is about: a place to share our stories and the things we collect around us as we enjoy them - the music we like, the things that make us laugh - or cry - and the small things from our lives that make us who we are.

Already we've seen blogs about Christmas - but this ranges from tradition we might have heard of, to tradition we've built up in our workplaces.

Sometimes we take for granted many of the freedoms we have in the UK, and it sometimes makes us suspicious of people who come here to escape bad things in other parts of the world - 'surely it can't be that bad, can it?...'

We heard some of the tales from people who escaped horrific conditions across the world recently and, as our parents taught us, you only have to look into the eyes to feel the depth of the truth in their stories.

The Beating Wing Orchestra is a fabulous collaboration of musicians from around the world who each fled persecution - they share that sense of escape, and they share a love of music, their stories are their own.

We've uploaded a video from The Guardian that explains a little more about The Beating Wing Orchestra, and you can see them later this month at the Exodus event at 'the Band on the Wall (check the calendar).

In the meantime share some of your own stories with us - on your blog, in pictures, or by sharing some of the things you love in videos.

It's funny how cultural festivals and traditions get mixed up isn't it? Take Christmas for example, we all know what Christmas is about, don't we? And Eid's just the end of Ramadan isn't it. And what about Divali - dancing and light?

Ask most people for a list of things they associate with Christmas and they'll probably include things like the Christmas Tree, the pudding, Holly, Misteltoe, and of course the presents.

Many Christians take exception to what they describe as the commercialisation of what they consider a predominantly religious festival, but the origins of this winter festival are far more obscure. What we consider a traditional North European Christmas actually has its origins in Scandanavia - including the giving of gifts wihich, according to authorities, were brought by Joulupukki, a goat like creature accompanied by an elf (who brought porridge - suits me, I like my oaty breakfast, but for Christmas?...)

The Christmas tree tradition apparently has its origins in the fifteenth century when St Boniface used the triangular shape as a means of demonstrating the mystery of the trinity.

So what does that rich mix of historic and religious reference mean to us today - should Christmas be a simple religious festival - whether based on pagan mythology or christianity - or should we accept that Christmas as we know it is simply a cultural tradition for cheering up an otherwise dull, damp, cold and dark season and accept all efforts to do that - christmas lights and all?

Certainly some Muslims complain at the commercialisation of the Eid festivals, should we accept that festivals develop - just like they always have - or should we try to hang on to their historical credibility?

Share with us.

Thanks to www.candlegrove.com for the holly image, go to their site for more fascinating facts about our Christmas origins.