Christmas - Ukrainian

Hello! I am the Ukrainian Christmas, and my name in the Ukrainian language is Rizdvo. I am a very special time celebrated by people in a country called Ukraine and in many other places around the world. When people celebrate me, they are remembering the birth of a baby named Jesus. My celebration is a happy and peaceful time for families to come together, share love, and enjoy special traditions. It is a time filled with light, music, and delicious food that has been passed down for many years.

One of my most important moments happens on Christmas Eve. Families prepare a wonderful meal called Sviata Vechera, which means Holy Supper. Before anyone takes a bite, everyone looks outside. They wait and watch the dark night sky until the very first star appears. Seeing that first bright star is the signal that the special meal can begin! On the table, families set out twelve different kinds of food. One of these foods is a sweet and tasty pudding made from wheat, called kutia. It is often the first thing everyone eats.

After the meal, my celebration continues with beautiful music. Children and grown-ups often get together in groups and walk from one house to another in their neighborhood. As they walk, they sing special Christmas songs called koliadky. These songs are cheerful and tell stories. Sometimes, the singers carry a big, colorful star on a long stick to light their way. They hold it up for everyone to see. By singing these songs, they wish all their friends and neighbors a happy and healthy year ahead.