Orthodox Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the Julian calendar - January 7th.
Christmas began when a star appeared in the sky, announcing the birth of Jesus.

Christmas traditions in Ukraine:
✮ 40 days before Christmas, a strict fast begins, the last day of which falls on Holy Eve.

✮ On January 6, on Holy Evening, the whole family is going to have supper at the table immediately after the appearance of the first star in the sky, which is called Bethlehem.

✮ The top in the form of an asterisk on the tree is a symbol of that very Bethlehem star, which pointed the shepherds to the birthplace of the Savior.

✮ In ancient times, the meal was not started until the owner of the house put Didukh in the corner of the table or near the icons - the first or last collected straw sheaf of wheat or oats. Later he became a symbol of Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ.

✮ Before sitting on a chair, it is worth blowing on it so as not to take the place of a deceased relative.

✮ At midnight from January 6 to 7, in order to let the holiday into the house, you need to open all the doors and windows.

✮ 12 meatless dishes (without milk, eggs and butter) - another symbolic symbol of the celebration according to the number of 12 apostles. It is important to try each one, washed down with uzvar. At the same time, you cannot eat everything: otherwise the refrigerator will be empty all year round.
✮ Until the end of the gala dinner, you must not leave the house in order to keep out the evil spirit.
✮ Previously, on the Holy Evening of the Godfathers, it was customary to treat kutia; in response, the “second parents” gave symbolic surprises, money, or also treated them to delicious dishes.

No matter how many dishes are on your table on Holy Evening and no matter how strong your faith is, spend this winter January evening with those who are dear to you! After all, the biggest Christmas miracle is knowing that you are loved! Make Christmas a family and warm evening, more important than any to-do list.
Hope you read my blog and send many surprises for Sophia and me! Hope I can celebrate Christmas with you!