Today, Jan. 7, is what in Saskatchewan is commonly called “Ukrainian Christmas.” Really, it’s the celebration of Christmas based on the Julian calendar, followed by the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Churches.

The big event is Christmas Eve, on Jan. 6, with its 12 traditional meatless dishes. But this year, due to the war in Ukraine which started last February, there are a lot more Ukrainians who have celebrated their first Christmas here, in Canada.