Clever Hedgehog decorated the Christmas tree with colorful garlands, glass baubles, stars, and handmade Christmas tree decorations he made from fruit and paper.
Clever Hedgehog made a beautiful paper Christmas tree ornament, and you can do one too – download the template here.
On Christmas day, Ukrainians sing Christmas carols (Koliadki). The ancient Ukrainian tradition of caroling is called kolyaduvannya (Ukrainian колядування). Carolers walk from house to house greeting and wishing people the best for the next year, and receiving treats in return.
The Christmas star is one of the symbols of Ukrainian caroling, the symbol of light, the sun, and represents the star of Bethlehem, which illuminated the birthplace of Jesus. The star has 8 or more rays and is an important attribute of the Christmas nativity scene.
Besides the Christmas tree, Ukrainian culture has another Christmas symbol – Didukh. It was made from rye or wheat and decorated with dried flowers and sweets.
Clever Hedgehog couldn’t make a didukh himself, so he looked for it at the Christmas market.
Christmas “Spider”
A Christmas “spider” is a traditional decoration of a home in Ukraine for Christmas and New Year holidays. They are hung on a window or under the ceiling. Traditionally, they were made of straw or reeds.
But Clever Hedgehog couldn’t find any straw for weaving, so he used straws for juice. Watch how to weave a “spider” in the video:
Festive table and Christmas dishes
According to Ukrainian tradition, on Christmas Eve, the whole family gathers at the table for the Holy Supper. For hundreds of years, Ukrainians have followed the rule of serving 12 simple Lenten dishes, since Jesus was born into a poor family, and his birth took place in an ordinary stable where cattle were kept.
Clever Hedgehog prepared traditional dishes such as:
Kutia is a dish made from grain, honey and poppy seeds, served first on the table.
Christmas kalach is a Christmas bread, braided and connected into a ring.
Varenyky are dumplings filled with potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms or fruit.
Uzvar is a drink that can only be tasted in Ukraine, made from smoked dried fruits and berries.
Fun activities with Clever Hedgehog
Let’s get ready for Christmas and New Year
Arts and Crafts ideas that will help create a festive mood and prepare for the celebration of Christmas and the New Year
Winter Riddles for Kids
Where does a polar bear keep its money?
In snow bank
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a shark?
A frostbite
What do you call a snowman in summer?
A puddle
I can be round, white, and shaped like a ball. Yet, I cannot be dribbled or bounced at all. What am I?
A snowball
Find and Count all gift boxes and stars
HINT: there is the same number of gift boxes and stars as the number montes in a year
8 gift boxes: under the Christmas tree, in the cat’s house, in the snowman’s house, on the sofa, on the shelf.
Winter is full of magical holidays celebrated in Ukraine and around the world! In Ukraine, we enjoy St. Nicholas Day (December 6 and 19), Christmas (December 25 and January 7), and New Year’s Eve (December 31). Around the globe, people celebrate other holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year! Each holiday has its special traditions, like decorating trees, lighting candles, or giving gifts.
🌟Let’s get ready for the holidays together with Clever Hedgehog!
Winter is here and the first holiday of winter is St. Nicholas Day!
Seasonal changes in nature in winter
Have you ever wondered how nature prepares for winter? Animals like bears and hedgehogs hibernate, birds fly to warmer places, and trees “sleep,” waiting for spring. The world turns into a sparkling wonderland, covered with snow and frost! ❄️🌲
Snowflakes that look like tiny masterpieces, the sound of crunching snow under your boots, and the joy of building snowmen and sledding. Plus, St. Nicholas Day and Christmas are coming soon! It’s time to write your letters, clean your boots, and look forward to the little surprises he leaves behind. 🎁👢
About fun things you can do in winter, read in a fun book “Is It Cold Outside”
What is Saint Nicholas Day? 🎅
Saint Nicholas (our Santa) was a kind man, known for his good deeds and acts of charity. He helps families most in need and is the patron saint of children.
On the night of December 6, it is believed that Saint Nicholas comes to homes and fills good children’s shoes or stockings with toys and gifts, and they will find them in the morning!
In Ukraine, Saint Nicholas, who is called Sviatyi Mykolai, visits all children during the night as well. Children wait for Sviatyi Mykolai to come and put a present under their pillows.
Only the kind, nice children receive a treat from Saint Nicholas. The naughty children who do not listen to their parents and teachers may end up only getting a twig or a piece of coal under their pillows.
This tradition is upheld in many countries to this day.
Try making snow angels, going ice skating, or drinking hot cocoa with a cinamon toast (recipe here) while reading a favorite book. Don’t forget crafts: like making paper snowflakes or creating your own winter mosaic with natural materials. Winter is a season of fun, creativity, and warm family moments! ⛸️
How can you prepare for the holidays?
Write letters to St. Nicholas, make handmade decorations, or bake cookies with your family. Preparing together makes the holidays even more magical! During celebrations, being with loved ones reminds us of the joy of sharing, laughing, and making memories. Holidays are not just about gifts—they’re about spending time with people who make us happy. 💖 So that’s what we can do:
Why do people give gifts? Gifts are a way to show love, care, and gratitude. They remind us that we are important to one another. St. Nicholas Day is the perfect time to think about giving—not only big presents but also small acts of kindness, like a handmade card or helping someone in need. 💖
Using the code, guess the name of the one who comes to obedient children in winter. The letters intersect horizontally and vertically. Place the correct letters in the baubles. Download the printable PDF file.
