2. St Nicholas Day This day is the first great winter holiday. It is considered that every child who behaved well during the year will receive a present from St Nicholas. Nowadays practically all children find small gifts (books, toys or sweets) under their pillows. There is a special song which people sing on St Nicholas Day. It begins with the words “Oh, who loves Myckolai…”

3. How we celebrate New Year’s Day and Christmas Students’ compositions

4. My Favourite Holiday One of my favourite winter holidays is New Year’s Day. It is on the first of January. My family also like this holiday. On the New Year’s Eve my dad buys Christmas tree. My brother Roma and I decorate the tree while our mum cooks tasty dishes for the New Year’s dinner. While the clock strikes twelve my mum and dad drink some champagne and I make wishes. I believe that they will come true during this new year. After that all of us sit down and we begin to play different games. As for me, it’s a great fun! In the middle of the New Year’s night we go to the yard and set off fireworks there. On the first of January some guests come to us. First we eat mum’s dishes and then go downtown. I always have a great time on this holiday! Written by Yaryna, class 9B

5. How we celebrate New Year’s Day I always celebrate New Year’s Day at home with my family. We always buy a beautiful Christmas tree for this day. My dad and me try to decorate the Christmas tree more beautiful than the last year. In the evening we sit at the New Year’s table in the sitting room, switch on the TV-set and watch a concert or a musical where one can see many musicians and actors. We always switch the light off and light candles. We are a very united family and always celebrate all the holidays together. Written by Valentyn, 9B

6. New Year’s Day in our family One of my favourite holidays is New Year’s Day. Traditionally we put Christmas tree in our house. I very like to decorate it. On 31 December my family are very busy. I go to the market and buy presents for my friends and relatives. My mum cooks festive supper. Her dishes are very tasty. After midnight we go to the yard and set off fireworks. Then our family go to the main square of our town. Next day we visit our friends and relatives. I like New Year’s Day very much! Written by Nastia, class 9B

7. Christmas in Ukraine On 7 January Ukrainians celebrate Christmas. My mum and grandmother always cook twelve traditional dishes. Sviata Vecheria (Holy Supper) starts with a prayer. Then father says the traditional Christmas greeting, “Khrystos rodyvsia!” (meaning Christ is born!), which is answered by the family with “Slavte Yoho!” which is translated Let us glorify him! At the end of the Sviata Vecheria the family often sings Koliadky which are Ukrainian Christmas songs. Some of these songs are unusual, because they are very old. My family always celebrate Christmas together. It is a great family holiday! Written by Yulia, 9B

8. Other Winter Festivals 14 January- Old New Year, St Basil the Great Day (January 1, Old Calendar). On the Holiday’s Eve a special festival called Malanka starts in our region. Disguised start visiting houses at midnight of January 13. Only men wear fancy dresses and there are traditional characters for this carnival such as Old Man, Old Woman, Gypsy, Bear, Cossak and Malanka herself. 19 January – Epiphany (Orthodox Church). Some people like celebrating it swimming and diving in the cold water of the river (it’s a sort of purifying). But most people go to church and ask for good health and rich year.

9. Thank you for watching it ! Students of Chernivtsi school # 6, Ukraine.