Traditions passed down from generation to generation make this holiday special and unforgettable.

🌾 Christmas Eve and 12 dishes
The celebration begins with Christmas Eve. On this day, 12 Lenten dishes are prepared - according to the number of apostles. Kutya, dumplings, borscht with ears, kapustnyak, stuffed cabbage, stuffed cabbage, fish and uzvar - all this appears on the festive table. Each dish is symbolic: kutya brings wealth, borscht brings health, and uzvar brings longevity.

✨ The Holy Supper and the first ray of the star
People sit down at the table when the first star appears in the sky - the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. The family prays, gives thanks for the year and asks for a blessing. The owner of the house consecrates the table with bread or kutya, so that there is prosperity in the house.

🎵 Carols
On Christmas Day, carols are sung. Children and adults gather in groups, put on national costumes, take a star and walk from house to house praising the birth of Jesus. “Shchedrik”, ‘Dobryi vechir tobi’, ‘Nova radisti stal’ - these songs we know by heart since childhood. Carolers are generously given treats or money.

🌟 DiDidukh
DiDidukh is a symbol of family and ancestors, which is placed in the house as a sign of fertility and prosperity. It is made from a bundle of sheaves decorated with ribbons and placed in the most honorable place.

🔥 Candle and creche
At Christmas, a candle is a must-have in the house, a symbol of the light and warmth that has come into the world. And the creche, a theatrical performance with the story of Christ's birth, adds to the festive atmosphere.

🎁 Holiday gatherings
After Christmas, it is customary to visit family and friends, sharing warm words and small gifts.

This year, the holiday takes on a special meaning. Traditions remind us of what is important: to be together, to believe in the best and to keep the light in our hearts.

What Christmas traditions are dear to you? 🌟