Ukrainian Christmas Eve is not only very rich in traditional foods prepared freshly that day (today in our busy lifestyle most of us prepare many food items ahead of time), and shared by the family during the Christmas Eve 12-course meatless dinner, but also myriad traditions are practiced before and after the meal.
Ukrainian Christmas Eve is a very solemn family time, and just as important of a holiday, as Christmas Day.
The day of Ukrainian Christmas Eve is a fasting day, thus no meat is consumed at all, and all the meals are small, and very simple.
On January 6th, a Christmas Eve is observed by many Ukrainians, Greeks, Orthodox Christians, and others, who follow the Julian calendar.
Christmas Eve has passed for some, but many of my family and friends are still looking forward to celebrate this holiday on January 6th and 7th.
I have been asked if there might be a suitable grain to prepare a gluten free Kutia dish for Christmas Eve, hence this recipe today for Millet Kutia.
Christmas celebrations are just beginning for all our family and friends who follow the Julian Calendar, and are awaiting Christmas Eve holiday on January 6th, and Christmas Day on January 7th.
Christmas holiday is followed by New Year celebration on January 14th.