Ukrainian Christmas – Canadian Style
Ukrainian community in Canada is spread out throughout the country, yet very united and organized.
Ukrainian traditions are well preserved and passed down from generation to generation, which is a very fortunate thing for any nationality in Diaspora, but well cherished by Ukrainians.
One of my blog followers from Manitoba, Canada, was kind enough to take the time to share some pictures of their celebration of Ukrainian Christmas Eve with her family, and their 90 years young aunt.
They all worked together to prepare a very elaborate Christmas Eve meal, which consists of at least 12 course meatless dishes.
In the picture above, you can see the teamwork going on in the kitchen, under a watchful eye of the “senior chef”, who is a well seasoned cook, with well earned seniority in traditional food preparation experience.
The finished product in the lower section of the display, looks very professionally done, and delicious.
Table is set with all the delicious food, and everyone is ready to partake in this beautiful traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper.
What fond memories this creates, which is what holidays should be all about.
She also captured the beauty of the Ukrainian church they attended that evening, and reminisced a little about the past. Please take a listen.
I truly appreciate her thoughtfulness and effort. Duzhe Dyakuyu (Thank you very much).
After the traditional Christmas Eve meal we drove in a ground blizzard to a wooden country church which is surrounded by farms with only a country hall across the road.
This hall was popular on long weekends with midnight dances I never attended as probably not allowed to as it did have quite the reputation.
The church is still used once a month. In fact the parishioners still go Christmas caroling on the 7th.
Note the candle lite chandelier.
When we left the church, the night sky was spectacular as we identified the different constellation!
Something surreal about spending
Ukrainian Christmas in the country!
I would love to hear from others who would like to share their unique stories.
Ukrainians are still in the Christmas season, and awaiting to celebrate New Year on January 14th.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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