Why Two Christmases? 🎄+🎄
It all boils down to calendars. No, not the cute puppy kind hanging in your kitchen. Ukrainians juggle the Gregorian and Julian calendars. The first Christmas, celebrated on December 25, follows the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world uses. The second one, on January 7, is based on the Julian calendar and is rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions.

So basically, Ukrainians are like, “Why choose? Let’s do both!”
While December 25 is officially recognized in Ukraine, many families still stick to the traditional January 7 celebration. The result? A holiday season that lasts almost a full month, from St. Nicholas Day on December 19 to mid-January.

So, if you’re lucky enough to experience Ukrainian Christmas, prepare for double the joy, double the food, and maybe double the post-holiday gym sessions. But most importantly, remember: it’s not just about the dates. It’s about the love, laughter, and warmth we share with those around us — no matter what calendar we’re following.

Merry Christmas! 🎄