Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas on December 25 for the first time
Al Jazeera
The change reflects Ukrainians’ dismay at the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their assertion of a national identity.
Ukrainians have celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the first time, as part of an ongoing effort to remove Russian influence from their country.
The change was enacted in a law signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July, reflecting both the Ukrainians’ dismay with the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their assertion of a national identity.
Ukraine previously marked Christmas in January as the Russians do.
“It’s historical justice,” said Yevhen Konyk, a 44-year-old serviceman who, along with his family, participated in traditional celebrations at an open-air museum in Kyiv.
“We need to move forward not only with the world but also with the traditions of our country and overcome the imperial remnants we had.”
