Ukrainian Christmas Traditions
What do Ukrainians put under the tablecloth on Christmas Eve for good luck?
Hay or straw
Finish the lyric: “All I want for Christmas is…”
YOU
What are Santa’s little helpers called?
Elves
During Ukrainian Christmas, what is the name of the special holiday greeting?
“Khrystos Razhdayetsia!” (Christ is born!)
Finish the lyric: “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the…”
Way
How many dishes are traditionally served for Sviat Vechir (Holy Supper)?
Twelve
In Home Alone, where were the McCallisters going for Christmas vacation?
Paris
What does Santa use to travel around the world on Christmas Eve?
A sleigh pulled by reindeer
What do Ukrainians traditionally put at the center of the Christmas Eve table to symbolize prosperity?
Didukh (a sheaf of wheat).
In The Grinch (2000), what is the Grinch’s dog’s name?
Max
What is the Ukrainian name for Christmas?
Rizdvo
What’s the name of the Ukrainian song heard in Home Alone during the church scene?
“Shchedryk,” known internationally as “Carol of the Bells.”
What do children usually leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve?
Cookies and milk
What traditional Ukrainian folk custom involves children going door-to-door singing and blessing neighbors?
Koliadky (caroling).
In Home Alone 2, which hotel does Kevin stay at in New York?
The Plaza Hotel.
What traditional dish is eaten first during Sviat Vechir?
Kutia (a sweet grain dish made with wheat, honey, and poppy seeds)
In Elf, what’s the first rule of The Code of Elves?
Treat every day like Christmas.
What’s the name of the magical land where Santa lives?
The North Pole
What is the name of the Ukrainian tradition where people go caroling and performing plays during Christmas?
Vertep.
In Elf, what city does Buddy travel to from the North Pole?
New York City.
When do Ukrainians traditionally celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar?
January 7
Who composed the famous Ukrainian Christmas song “Shchedryk,” known worldwide as “Carol of the Bells”?
Mykola Leontovych.
Which real-life figure inspired the modern image of Santa Claus?
St. Nicholas.
Before starting Sviat Vechir, what must families do to properly honor the tradition?
Wait for the first star to appear in the sky.
In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas given by Santa?
A silver bell.