Christmas is a popular period in Ukraine. Traditionally Christmas Day in Ukraine is on the 7 January as the Eastern Christian churches in Ukraine, such as the Orthodox church, use the Julian Calendar. The Western Christian Christmas Day 25 December is also a national holiday in the Ukraine. Ukraine has a number of Christmas traditions that are familiar to other countries who celebrate Christmas. These include Christmas carols, Christmas markets, decorations, Christmas trees and other festive customs. Food naturally plays a key part. Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve has many typically Ukrainian dishes and traditionally does not contain meat, eggs or milk. There are also many unique Ukrainian Christmas customs reflecting old beliefs and superstitions in the country. These all create a wonderful and unique festive period in Ukraine. Sample the essence of Christmas in Ukraine with this book - The Ukrainian Christmas Cookbook.