Ukrainians actually have two Christmases. One on December, 25, which is Catholic Christmas, and another one is on January, 7, which is Orthodox Christmas. There are many traditions associated with Christmas, but the most important rituals that Ukrainians follow regularly are Christmas dinner and Christmas caroling.
The Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve. Family members cook Christmas dinner consisting of 12 fasting dishes that symbolize 12 apostles. The main dish at the festive table is kutia – a mix of boiled grains, honey, nuts, poppy seeds, dried fruits, and other toppings. This dish is usually eaten first. Other dishes present at the Christmas table might include mushrooms, fish, varenyky, potatoes, etc. The next morning after Christmas Eve is Christmas day. On this day the fasting ends, and Ukrainians go to church and visit their relatives. Another ancient custom is Christmas caroling or Koliada. During Koliada, children and young people visit neighbors, relatives, and friends singing traditional songs and giving the families best wishes. In return, hosts give Koliada participants presents such as sweets, fruit, or money. Koliada participants wear traditional clothes and costumes. They also carry a handcrafted star that symbolizes the star that had appeared when Crist was born. Koliada begins on Christmas Eve and may last for several days. The most interesting and somehow strange fact about caroling is that no matter what time is it morning, midmight or 3am, you have to accept those people who coming to your house singing Koliada.
It may sound strange, but usually we don't get a lot of sleep during the Christmas time. But I can say for sure that Christmas is one of the most wonderful and wanted holiday during the year.