The Start of the Festive Season: St. Nicholas Day
December 6th is when the magic begins. St. Nicholas Day is a day of giving, kindness, and joy, especially for children. On the eve of December 5th, kids polish their shoes or prepare a special stocking, leaving it by the window or under their pillow in anticipation of St. Nicholas’s visit.

Good children wake up to find treats like chocolates, oranges, or toys, while naughty ones might find a symbolic piece of coal. But let’s be honest—St. Nicholas is kind-hearted, and most kids receive something sweet, even if it comes with a note encouraging better behavior.

This tradition reminds us of the importance of generosity and the joy of giving, a theme that continues throughout the holiday season.

What would you wish to find under your pillow on St. Nicholas Day? And what small gesture of kindness could you offer to someone you care about?

Christmas in Ukraine: A Celebration of Faith and Family
After St. Nicholas Day, the anticipation builds for Christmas, which Ukrainians celebrate on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. Christmas Eve, or Sviata Vecheria, is a highlight of the season. Families gather around the table to enjoy a meal of 12 traditional dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles.

The evening begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky, representing the Star of Bethlehem. One of the most touching parts of this celebration is the sense of unity it brings. Every dish, from borscht to varenyky, is prepared with love, and there’s always a seat left empty at the table for an unexpected guest.

I find this tradition so beautiful because it reflects our culture’s emphasis on hospitality and togetherness. Wouldn’t you agree that sharing a meal like this is the perfect way to create lasting connections?

How do you celebrate Christmas where you are? Do you have any traditions that bring your family closer together?

Welcoming the New Year: Fireworks and Fresh Starts
New Year’s Eve in Ukraine is another big event. Unlike Christmas, which is more solemn and family-oriented, New Year’s Eve is a time for laughter, parties, and hope for the future. Fireworks light up the sky, and everyone exchanges heartfelt wishes for health, happiness, and success.

In many Ukrainian households, a charming character called Did Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snihurochka (Snow Maiden) bring gifts to children. They are like Santa Claus but with a uniquely Ukrainian twist.

As the clock strikes midnight, we raise our glasses to toast new beginnings. This holiday is all about optimism and dreams—what better time to meet someone new and start a romantic journey?

If you could wish for one thing in the New Year, what would it be? And who would you want by your side to celebrate the start of a new chapter?

Epiphany: A Final Blessing
The winter holiday season in Ukraine concludes on January 19th with the Epiphany. On this day, water is blessed in churches and rivers. Some brave souls even participate in icy dips to cleanse their spirits and bring good health for the year ahead.

This marks the end of a magical time, leaving us with memories and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Why Celebrate Together?
For me, the winter holidays are about more than just traditions—they are about finding warmth in the coldest season, creating bonds that last a lifetime, and sharing moments that make your heart feel full.

Imagine spending this magical time together, exchanging small surprises on St. Nicholas Day, toasting to new beginnings on New Year’s Eve, and sharing a cozy Christmas Eve dinner. Wouldn’t that be the kind of winter story you’d want to tell?

So, my dear reader, I leave you with a few questions to ponder:

What is your favorite winter holiday tradition, and how do you make it special?
If you could join someone in discovering Ukrainian holiday traditions, what would excite you the most?
And finally, what would make this holiday season unforgettable for you?
Let’s not let another winter pass by without creating something beautiful. If you’re ready to embrace the magic of this season and maybe even start a new tradition together, I’d love to hear from you.