Why I LOVE Ukraine: Part 1 Christmas in Ukraine
Christmas in Ukraine
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So, did the hustle and bustle of Christmas wear you down? Need to take a few days to recuperate? No time for that in Ukraine! We still have 17 days of celebrating to do!
Beginning 2017, Ukrainian Christmas festivities start on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 24th following the Gregorian calendar in official use in the Western Christian communities of Ukraine. The Christmas celebrations end on January 19, the date of "Jordan" or Epiphany in the Julian calendar.
So much for the twelve days of Christmas in America.
If you are keeping score, that makes Ukraine 1 and America 0.
While my business is keeping me in America a few more months and I was not able to be at home in Ukraine, my girlfriend and I came up with a really unique and quite doable way to spend Christmas for the next 5 years.
- Since Christmas lasts almost a month, we are going to spend Christmas in a different country each year. Austria and Italy are the first two we are going to hit. Then somewhere warm like the Maldives. Scuba diving for Christmas anyone?
- Why not?
The churches in Ukraine are something to behold. Many are over a thousand years old.
The most fertile soil on the planet produces some of the tastiest food I ever put in my mouth.
Caroling is taken to another level. When a group like this comes to your front yard and sings, you are expected to have warm drinks and food prepared. Ukrainians will invite perfect strangers into their homes as is tradition.
Sing along, On the 27th day of Ukrainian Christmas my true love gave to me. lol
Merry Christmas!!!
Recent Comments
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I'm not the first one to say it and I won't be the last" What gorgeous pictures. Thank you so much for sharing." I love your extended celebrations. I can't get people to celebrate until Jan.6 which is the visit of the Wise Men in western Christian churches.
Again, thank you for sharing. Can't waif for part 2!
Good Morning Mark,
What lovely photos. I really enjoyed seeing all of this. Beautiful the interior of the church. I think it is a great idea to spend some time from this long Christmas period in other countries too.
Here we will get back to normal after 3Kings.
Greetings from the south of Spain,
Taetske
Do you partake in the traditional 12 courses at Christmas dinner. The Ukrainian choir are a sound to behold, use to have them come once a year to get donation for the local Ukrainian church here in the UK.
Sadly there are so little Ukrainians left, most have passed away. The church was sold off a couple of years ago and just last month the Ukrainian club closed its doors for the final time.
In few weeks time it will be the new year, where the priest traditionally bless the house. Although my father passed 40 years ago we still continue the tradition.
Only once. Ukrainians really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. They hold the holiday holy. Very different from the commercialized version in America. An amazing and hospitable people who hold their traditions and customs very close to their hearts.
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Looks pretty fantastic to me...Lots of color and old town charm to include the churches and the settings you have included. It also seems to have the cold weather that is a prerequisite for some (not for me hehe)...
Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year! I like the plans for spending Christmas in a different country each year too. Not sure how many countries I have done this in, but it is more than a few...It adds something to the season...
Cheers!
Dave : )
The over-commercialized American version of Christmas just does not cut it. I can't wait to go scuba diving with a Santa outfit on. You feeling good?
Yes indeed! : )