The Ukrainian people are always looking forward to celebrating Christmas. It is one of the most important holidays of the year. There are many different customs and traditions in various parts of Ukraine.

Christmas is celebrated on January 7^th according to Julian calendar. But from this year on, we are celebrating Christmas according to Gregorian calendar on December 25^th like the majority of Europe.

The longest fast of the year is Christmas fast. It starts 40 days before Christmas and is extremely strict. During that time people eat only porridges, fruit and vegetables, and sometimes mushrooms. It is not allowed to eat meat, eggs, or even dairy products. Fast time is not only about cleaning your body, but mostly about cleaning your soul. People go to church, they try not to provoke any quarrels and live in harmony with others.

On January 6^th, the whole family gathers at the table to celebrate the Holy Evening. The hostess offers the family 12 fasting dishes which symbolize the 12 disciples of Jesus. The main dish which should be tasted first is “Kutya” (boiled wheat with poppy seeds, nuts, raisins and honey). The Holy Evening is usually spent at home with the whole family, dining and praying together.