⭐ Christmas Eve and Kutia

The most important moment is Christmas Eve, when the whole family gathers around the table.
On the table are 12 Lenten dishes, the main one being kutia. It is made from wheat or rice, with poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and sometimes dried fruit. It is a symbol of abundance and peace.

Before dinner, it is traditional to:

light a candle,

say a prayer,

wait for the first star to appear in the sky - a symbol of Jesus' birth.

👼 Carols and Shchedrovki

After dinner, children and adults can go sing carols. These are cheerful songs that wish the hosts well-being and health. People give candy, fruit, or money for singing carols.

The most famous carol is "Good evening to you, sir," and the most popular Shchedrovki is "Shchedryk," known worldwide as "Carol of the Bells."

🎁 Gifts and a winter atmosphere

Many towns and villages host Christmas markets with mulled wine (non-alcoholic for children!), honey gingerbread, and various handmade souvenirs. The streets are decorated with garlands, and large Christmas trees are erected in city centers.

Gifts are often given on the eve of December 25th or January 7th, depending on family traditions.

🐴 Vertep and the Christmas Star

The Ukrainian Vertep is a Christmas theater. People dress up as shepherds, angels, kings, and sometimes even as Cossacks or the devil (in a humorous way).
They go door-to-door or perform at fairs, giving a miniature performance of the birth of Christ.

They also often wear a large Christmas star - a striking symbol of the holiday.

🤍 Why Christmas is so important

For Ukrainians, Christmas is more than just a calendar date.
It's a moment when:

people gather together,

forget quarrels,

share warmth and kindness,

remember old traditions and create new ones.

Each region has its own small peculiarities, but everywhere there is a feeling of homely warmth and sincerity.