Ukrainian Christmas

Yesterday was January 6th (Yea - I'm finally caught up!) and in Ukraine, people everywhere celebrated Christmas. In planning for Christmas, we decided to open presents on Ukrainian Christmas. We thought it would be a great way to once again, share the meaning of Christmas, and bring in some Ukrainian traditions to our family.

I've received several emails from many of you, wanting a "sneak peek" into our Christmas celebrations with all 6 of our kids. This is what we did...

Each child drew another's name. Together we helped each child shop for their sibling - they spent between $5-10 each. The kids did a good job coming up with ideas for gifts. Most of the gifts were "projects" - sewing for Olesya, models for the boys, needlepoint for Mariyana...

We bought stocking stuffers for the children. They included an ornament for each child, Ukrainian chocolate bars we brought home with us, a pair of socks, knit gloves and bubbles.

We bought each child one gift. Again, these were "project" gifts. The boys got tool belts, along with some small-size real tools "just like Papa", Lillia & Olesya got kits to make mosaic stepping stones, Mariyana got an American flag latch hook pillow kit, and Anabella got a kids' nativity set. Simple little projects that will bring a lot of enjoyment and learning - not just more "stuff".

Finally, we bought a game for everyone to enjoy. We have spent many hours this past week in the evenings playing games ("Sorry!" is the favorite!) and putting puzzles together (we currently have a 1000-piece puzzle spread out over the dinner table).

So - that was it. We began and ended the evening with prayer and the true Christmas story to try and keep their attention directed to the right direction. Here are a few pictures...

Stockings!


Anabella had Sasha for Christmas - this is her giving Sasha his gift.


Vanya and Sasha opening their tool belts.


Mariyana showing off her new gloves and socks!


A family time before bedtime....


It was a very special evening together. In no way did the kids feel like "that's all?" - in fact, they were overwhelmed with how many things they received.

A sweet note - at lunchtime, the kids were asking me about whether Mama and Papa had presents to open. I said no, just the kids. That was not OK in their books - they tried to convince me to go to town - I could buy Papa a present, and then they could buy me something on their own and hide it from me. A very sweet gesture.

Another final note - all of the kids shared their candy and little toys/games with each other as they opened presents. We are so blessed by how great these kids are....Merry Christmas!