When Ukrainians Celebrate Christmas - on December 25th or January 7th?

For centuries, Ukrainians have celebrated Christmas on January 7th, in line with the Julian calendar followed by the Orthodox Church. However, in recent years, many families and communities in Ukraine have also begun observing Christmas on December 25th, aligning with Western traditions and the Gregorian calendar.

This shift has significantly influenced how Ukrainians celebrate and when they exchange gifts, especially over the past two decades. As a gift delivery service that started 20 years ago, we’ve witnessed firsthand how these changes have reshaped Christmas traditions in Ukraine.

A Two-Christmas Tradition

For much of Ukraine’s history, January 7th was the primary date for Christmas celebrations. Families would gather for Sviatyi Vechir (Holy Evening) on January 6th, sharing a traditional dinner and exchanging well wishes. Gifts were often reserved for this occasion or for St. Nicholas Day on December 19th, which has always been a beloved holiday for children.

In the early 2000s, most of our Christmas gift deliveries were made in January, reflecting the prominence of this date in Ukrainian culture. The demand for December deliveries was minimal, as December 25th was not yet widely celebrated.

The Shift to December 25th

Over the years, social, cultural, and religious factors have led to a growing recognition of December 25th as a Christmas celebration in Ukraine:

1. Global Influence: With increasing exposure to Western traditions through media and travel, many Ukrainians began adopting December 25th as an additional day to celebrate.

2. Religious Diversity: Some churches in Ukraine, particularly the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, recognize December 25th as Christmas.

3. National Unity: In 2017, Ukraine officially declared December 25th a public holiday, alongside the traditional January 7th holiday. This decision reflects Ukraine’s embrace of diverse Christmas traditions and aligns the country with global practices.

Today, Ukrainians enjoy two official Christmas holidays, extending the season of joy and celebration.

How Gift-Giving Has Changed

As the recognition of December 25th grew, so did the demand for gifts to be delivered earlier in the holiday season. Today, we see a more balanced split between December and January deliveries. Many Ukrainians now exchange gifts on December 25th, while January 7th remains a sacred time for family gatherings and religious traditions.

For businesses like ours, this shift has brought unique opportunities and challenges:

• Earlier Orders: Customers now place orders well before December 25th to ensure timely delivery.

• Double Celebrations: Families often send gifts for both dates, making December and January equally busy.

• Customized Offerings: To accommodate diverse traditions, we’ve expanded our collection to include festive flowers, gourmet hampers, and unique Ukrainian-themed gifts suitable for both celebrations.

What This Means for Christmas in Ukraine

The growing popularity of December 25th doesn’t diminish the significance of January 7th. Instead, it reflects Ukraine’s ability to embrace new traditions while honoring its rich cultural heritage. For families, this means more opportunities to celebrate, connect, and share joy.

For us, as a gift delivery service, it has been inspiring to witness and adapt to these changes. From handling mostly January deliveries in our early years to now ensuring seamless gift delivery throughout December and January, we’re proud to play a role in making Christmas magical for Ukrainians everywhere.

Conclusion

With both December 25th and January 7th now official holidays in Ukraine, the Christmas season is more vibrant than ever. Whether your loved ones celebrate on one date, the other, or both, the true spirit of Christmas remains: love, togetherness, and the joy of giving.

Have you noticed these changes in your family’s celebrations? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!