Kyiv, UKRAINE – St. Nicolas Day, a day of celebration and commemoration of a Christian saint, is one of the most important holidays for Ukrainian children.
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Traditionally, a child writes a description of their behavior during the year and, closer to the end, asks Saint Nicolas for a present that they want.
On the morning of December 6th, they are looking for a dream gift under their pillow, which, they believe was brought by St. Nicolas at night.
Naughty children can find dried sticks instead of a gift as a reminder to think about their behavior and an opportunity to fix it by the next year. There are more modern “gifts” for misbehaving children, too.
According to legend, St. Nicholas saved three sisters by throwing them bags of gold. Other legends say he healed the wounded and even resurrected children.
Despite the fact that it’s a holiday for children, many adults celebrate St. Nicholas Day.
Some go ice skating with friends, spend time with family or attend church.
Everyone wants to share their joy with close friends and family and it’s fashionable to consider it part of the tradition on this holiday.
Ann Tsyhanok and Daria Prymak are Junior Reporters with Youth Journalism International from Kyiv, Ukraine. Ann Tsyhanok wrote this article and took the photos. Daria Prymak made the audio recording.
