Blogs

What are the favorite things Ukrainian women do during the Christmas Holidays?

When it comes to the Christmas holidays, Ukrainian women know how to celebrate. From decorating the house to cooking traditional meals, they know how to make the season special. But what are their favorite things to do during the holidays? Read on to find out!

Christmas Traditions in Ukraine

Christmas traditions in Ukraine vary depending on the region. In Western Ukraine, straw is often used to decorate homes and churches. A popular tradition in the Hutsul region is the burning of Yalynka, a large wooden structure covered with straw and decorated with ribbons and flowers. In Eastern Ukraine, it is common to find kutia, a dish made from wheat berries, honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, on the Christmas Eve table. Another tradition unique to this region is the singing of Ukrainian Christmas carols, or koliadky. One common Christmas tradition throughout all of Ukraine is the sharing of opłatki, wafers that are blessed during mass on Christmas Eve and then broken and shared among family members as a symbol of love and unity.  

 

Christmas Foods in Ukraine

Christmas foods in Ukraine vary depending on the region, but some common dishes include kutia (a sweet grain pudding), borscht (a beet soup), varenyky (dumplings with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or fruits), and pampushky (fried yeast buns). Kutia is traditionally made with wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds, and is often served with a dollop of sour cream. Borscht is usually made with beets, but can also include other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions. It is typically served with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread. Varenyky can be filled with any number of fillings, but some popular options include potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, or fruits like berries or cherries. Pampushky are fried yeast buns that are often sprinkled with sugar or served with a dollop of sour cream.

Ukrainian Christmas Decorations

Ukrainian Christmas decorations are some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. Many of the traditional Ukrainian Christmas ornaments are handmade, and often depict scenes from Ukrainian folklore or religious stories. One of the most popular Ukrainian Christmas decorations is the pysanka, a decorated egg that is often given as a gift. Pysankas are traditionally made from chicken or duck eggs, and are decorated with a wax resist technique. The designs on pysankas can be very intricate and detailed, and often tell a story. Another popular Ukrainian Christmas decoration is the vertep, a Nativity scene that is usually made out of carved wood. Verteps can be quite large and elaborate, with many figures and scene elements. They are often given as gifts to children, and are a cherished part of many Ukrainian Christmas celebrations. No matter what type of Ukrainian Christmas decorations you choose to use in your home, they are sure to add beauty and meaning to your holiday celebrations.  

 

Ukrainian Christmas Gifts

Christmas is a special time of year for Ukrainians, and exchanging gifts is one of the most cherished traditions. Ukrainian women love to give and receive gifts that are meaningful and memorable. Here are some ideas for Ukrainian Christmas gifts that will be sure to please the special woman in your life:

1. A Traditional Ukrainian Gift: Pysanky

Pysanky are elaborately decorated eggs that are often given as Easter or Christmas gifts in Ukraine. They are made by drawing patterns on an egg with wax, then dipping the egg into dye. The process is repeated with different colors to create a beautiful, multi-colored egg. Pysanky make wonderful Ukrainian Christmas gifts because they are both beautiful and meaningful.

2. A Delicious Ukrainian Gift: Chocolate Kiev

Chocolate Kiev is a delicious treat that originates from Ukraine’s capital city. It is made by coating a piece of dark chocolate in white chocolate, then rolling it in chopped nuts. Chocolate Kiev makes a wonderful Christmas gift because it is both delicious and unique.

3. A Thoughtful Ukrainian Gift: A Handmade Scarf

A handmade scarf makes a wonderful Ukrainian Christmas gift because it is both thoughtful and practical. Scarves are very popular in Ukraine, and they come in many different styles and colors. You can find handmade scarves at many stores in Ukraine, or you can even make one yourself!

4. A Fun Ukrainian Gift: Matryoshka Dolls

Matryoshka dolls are traditional Russian nesting dolls that are very popular in Ukraine. They are often given as gifts because they are both beautiful and interesting. Matryoshka dolls make great Ukrainian Christmas gifts because they are sure to be a hit with any woman who receives them.

5. A Traditional Ukrainian Gift: Vyshyvanka

Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian shirt, and it is often given as a gift on special occasions. They come in many different styles and colors, and they are usually decorated with traditional Ukrainian embroidery. They also make wonderful Ukrainian Christmas gifts because they are both beautiful and meaningful.

Conclusion

The Christmas holidays are a special time for Ukrainian women. They love spending time with their families, decorating their homes, and cooking traditional holiday meals. But most of all, they enjoy giving gifts to their loved ones. If you want to make your Ukrainian lady happy this Christmas, give her a gift that she can cherish forever.