Clever Hedgehog loves Christmas! And what about you?
Christmas is celebrated all over the world.
Last year, Clever Hedgehog talked a lot on how Christmas is celebrated in Ukraine and what Christmas traditions exist there.
This year, Clever Hedgehog celebrates Christmas according to Ukrainian traditions! Let’s join him!
What is Christmas and what traditions of celebrating Christmas exist in Ukraine Read in this article
Decorating a Christmas Tree
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.
Caroling – Kolyadki
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.
Clever Hedgehog has learned a few Ukrainian carols and famous winter songs and is going to sing carols too.
Christmas Star
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.
Clever Hedgehog colored his Christmas Star and you can color one too – download the coloring page here.
Didukh
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
In snow bank
A frostbite
A puddle
A snowball
Find and Count all gift boxes and stars
8 gift boxes: under the Christmas tree, in the cat’s house, in the snowman’s house, on the sofa, on the shelf.
4 stars: on the tree, on the pillow, on the shelf
Christmas gift card with Pop Up Tree
Paper Christmas Candle
Christmas Card
Clever Hedgehog wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025!
tags: about Christmas for children, Christmas traditions, Ukrainian Christmas traditions, Ukrainian Christmas traditions
