Ukrainians are set to embrace Christmas 2024 with all the enthusiasm and spirit the holiday brings, but this time on December 25, aligning with the majority of the Christian world. The shift follows the adoption of the New Julian calendar by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on September 1, 2023.
This transition not only marks the date of Christmas but also brings with it various events and celebrations across the nation. Ukrainians are particularly excited about the festivities this year, which will include a combination of cherished traditions and modern marketing initiatives from brands eager to engage the public.
Among the highlights, retail giant Rozetka has teamed up with NAZVA to promote holiday discounts with whimsical advertisements, hoping to catch the eyes of Christmas shoppers. The museum of Ivan Honchar has partnered with the Milk Bar and the Dorošenko family from Poltava to create festive kits complete with recipes for traditional Christmas gingerbread, stirring nostalgia for the warmth of cultural customs.
Meanwhile, the transport company Ukrzaliznytsia has launched the “Magical Express,” offering unique retro train rides powered by steam locomotives for festive journeys through Lviv and Kyiv, adding to the holiday ambiance.
Supermarket chain Silpo, along with comedian Vasiliy Baydak, is sharing the process of preparing kutiya, a traditional Christmas dish, showing how the festive meal is made. This offers families and friends guidance on preparing their holiday feast.
Interestingly, many Ukrainians are opting for home-cooked meals this year for Christmas, with recent research from Postmen indicating the average spending planned for the festive table is around 50 dollars, or approximately 2,100 UAH. Given the economic situation, this is slightly more than last year’s average of around 1,986 UAH, though it still reflects financial caution. Remarkably, 34.5% of respondents mentioned they would spend less than 500 UAH for the holidays, highlighting the trend of thriftiness.
There's also anticipation about the weather as Christmas approaches. Forecasts suggest cool temperatures throughout Ukraine, with the eastern and northern regions experiencing sub-zero conditions. On the other hand, Crimea might see temperatures soaring up to +10°C. Snow is expected in Transcarpathia on December 25, bringing a picturesque holiday backdrop for some regions, but rainfall is anticipated across other areas of the country.
Organizations like McDonald’s have playfully reminded everyone of their role as Santa's favorite stop, and local charities, like the Turn Back Alive Foundation, have delivered stirring reminders of community spirit during the holiday season through festive social media campaigns and videos with folk ensembles aiming to lend support to the brave souls on the front lines.
Fashion brand Kachorovska featured inspiring videos showing young women preparing for the holiday, illustrating how personal investments are being made to honor the season. At the same time, Vovk and ethnographer Bogdana Onopchuk revealed the depth of Christmas traditions across various regions of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of culture and heritage.
This year’s Christmas celebrations are set to inject hope and joy, serving as moments of unity among Ukrainians during difficult times. It encapsulates the essence of tradition amid the modern world—revealing how even brand campaigns can hold significant meaning within the greater narrative of resilience and connection.
With the focus on embracing the essence of Christmas and the enthusiastic preparations underway, it becomes evident this year’s celebrations will be memorable. Whether through traditional meals, special events, or collaborative community efforts, Christmas 2024 promises to reflect the spirit of togetherness, joy, and the rich cultural fabric of Ukraine.
