If there is a country where Christmas will take on a particular meaning this Sunday evening, December 24, it is Ukraine, subject to the war inflicted by Russia for almost two years. Ukraine, where until a few years ago, Christmas was celebrated on January 7, according to the traditional Orthodox calendar. But the authorities are now encouraging the population to celebrate the Nativity on December 25. Ukrainians still need to have the head and morale, in a very difficult context, to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
2 mins
With our correspondent in kyiv, Stéphane Siohan
It’s the last day of school, before the holidays, at Kids School, a private school in the suburbs of kyiv where parents, students and teachers gather for a concert, before each family goes to celebrate Christmas in their own way.
“ This year we celebrate Christmas on December 25, because we have decided to move to the new calendar. You know, in my family we celebrate both December 25 and January 7, because I am from Luhansk, Donbass. And so, we have two Christmases », Explains Iryna, school psychologist in the establishment.
“ I would say that now it’s 50-50: those who stick to traditions maintain January 7, the others have already moved to the new calendar “, she continues.
While the children sing and dance, the parents smile and applaud, a little tired, with drawn faces. Like Kira, a mother of a boy in first grade, who watches her son open a present:
“ I can’t get that Christmas feeling, like it was before the war started. But I have a child and I feel obligated to maintain some sort of festive atmosphere. And so yes, we decorated the tree. But it’s more to please the family, because frankly, otherwise, we’re not in the mood to party. »
This year, Ukrainians may be celebrating Christmas the European way. But for many, with sadness deep in their hearts.
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