Today's episode is about Christmas in Ukraine. It is its very own unique celebration that combines traditions from Christian and pagan celebrations dating back all the way to the Kyivan Rus'. Welcome to the mystical, musical and exciting Ukrainian Christmas.

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The music in todays episode are various Ukrainian kolyadky performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine as part of the "Christmas Symphonies" project. The kolyadka sung at the end is "A New Joy Had Arisen" performed by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.

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З Різдвом Христовим! Merry Christmas!

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Correction: Ukrainians celebrate St. Nicholas Day in early December - not January. :)