Russian imperialism has long been after Ukrainian traditions, aiming to destroy any trace of the national identity while Ukraine was under the occupation of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. However, seeing the resilience of Ukrainian customs, Russia instead tried to appropriate what it could lay its hands on, including Christmas folklore.
Ukrainian Christmas traditions see a powerful wave of revival this year: after the brutal February large-scale invasion, Ukrainians are ready to sever all remaining Russia ties more than ever. Separation from the Russian world was also signaled by the change in Christmas festivities date: more and more Ukrainians support celebrating the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25 instead of January 7.