How Ukrainians celebrate Christmas in Canada in 2023

Many Ukrainians decided to change their traditions of celebrating Christmas on January 7. What is the reason?

The father of a local Orthodox church in Ottawa says it doesn't matter at all when you celebrate Christmas. The most important thing is the spirit of the holiday. Many Ukrainians remember Christmas 2022 in their homeland with warmth and longing.

But after moving to Canada, some of the refugees decided to join the holiday in the Western tradition — December 25.

The decision is primarily due to the fact that recent events have forced Ukrainians to break ties with Russian traditions. At the request of the Ukrainian people, the Orthodox Church allowed clergy to hold Christmas services on December 25 to renounce any associations with Russia.

The topic of rescheduling Christmas dates arose in Ukraine about 10 years ago, and military action in 2022 only spurred the issue.

In the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canada, the celebration will be held on January 7. But Father Taras Kinash notes that it will probably be the last.

According to Kinash, before the 1930s Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25, but the date was changed due to pressure from the Soviet Union government and moved to January 7.

But according to the priest, many new Ukrainians would like to come to the church on the 7th, so he intends to hold a service. The priest plans to organize food-tasting contests with kutya (sweet wheat porridge) and uzvar (a traditional Ukrainian drink made from dried fruits and berries). These are traditional components of Christmas celebrations in every Ukrainian family.

How to cook own uzvar:

Pre-prepared dried fruit or store-bought mix is thoroughly washed, placed in a pot and poured with cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Leave overnight (at least 5 hours). In the ready mixture add honey.