Festive Feast
This dish, often served during Christmas Eve dinner, is a type of sweet bread with dried fruits and nuts
Kutia
This is the name of the traditional Christmas tree in many Slavic countries
Yolka
This is the name of the Slavic mythological figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve
Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
This traditional way to welcome the New Year in many Slavic countries often involves this number of dishes
12 dishes, one for each month of the year/each apostle
This traditional Polish Christmas Eve soup is made with dried mushrooms, barley, and vegetables
Barszcz
This is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve fast in many Eastern Orthodox countries
Sviata Vecheria ("Holy Dinner" = 12 dish supper)
This is the name of the Slavic mythological figure who is the granddaughter of the character who brings gifts
Snegurochka
This is the traditional custom of fortune-telling on New Year's Eve in many Slavic countries
Pouring molten lead into water to interpret the shapes it forms
This Russian salad, a staple of New Year's Eve celebrations, is made with potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, and mayonnaise
Olivier
This traditional Christmas Eve custom in Slavic cultures involves placing a special item under the tablecloth to symbolize prosperity for the coming year
Hay
his is the name of the Slavic mythological creature believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year
Domovoy
In many Slavic cultures, homes are decorated with this symbol of eternal life during the winter holidays
Evergreen branches or wreaths
This Ukrainian dish, often served during Christmas Eve dinner, is a type of pierogi filled with cabbage and mushrooms
Varenyky
This Ukrainian hymn is popular worldwide
Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells)
This is the name of the Slavic mythological creature believed to be a mischievous spirit that causes trouble during the winter holidays
Rusalka
This tradition involves burning this object during Christmas to bring warmth, light, and a good harvest in the coming year
A yule log
This Eastern European drink, often served warm with honey and spices, is popular during the winter holidays
Sbiten/Glögg/Aromatised wine
This is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve decoration made of hay or straw in many Slavic countries
Didukh
This is the name of the Slavic mythological figure who is the patron saint of travelers and sailors
Saint Nicholas
This tradition involves doing this activity in order to make a wish at midnight
Writing down a wish and burning it