Christmas in Ukraine is a series of Christian celebrations, which last from December 25 to January 6 (previously, according to the old calendar, from January 7 to 19). It consists of three main holidays: Christmas, Shchedryi Vechir, and Epiphany. During this time, there is a special greeting "Christ is born!", to which the response is "Let's praise him!". The Christmas holidays period carries a great cultural heritage of traditional rites in Ukraine, which has absorbed the most typical types of folk drama creativity of Ukrainians.
The evening of December 24 is called Holly Evening, and the night of December 25 is called Koliada. The Holy Supper with 12 Lenten dishes prepared according to the number of Apostles is its central tradition. An attribute of the Christmas is Didukh - a special decorated sheaf that stands in the house during all the Christmas holidays. Caroling is a very important attribute of Christmas in Ukraine. Christmas carols are majestic congratulatory songs with wishes for well-being to the hosts. Carolers carry with them a large decorative star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Another special tradition of Christmas celebration in Ukraine is Vertep - a theatrical performance with dressing-up, which tells the story of the birth of Christ through a street performance and acting.
