But in July this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bill into law making 25 December the official Christmas holiday as the nation adopted the Western, Gregorian calendar.
The move, which has the backing of the church, marks another step by Kyiv towards eradicating all traces of Russian influence in the country as it continues to fight Moscow’s invasion.
The attack that began in February 2022 rallied the nation and sparked many Ukrainians to reject historical ties to Kyiv’s former ruler, including the Russian language and culture.
Ukraine also wants to join the European Union, and many citizens see membership as an important affirmation of what they believe is their country’s historical place in Europe.
Ukrainian MP and leader of the Golos Zmin Party, Kira Rudik, told Sky News that changing the date to 25 December was “incredibly important”, adding: "We are joining our European family in all aspects of our life including the day when we celebrate Christmas.
Standing outside Kyiv’s golden-domed St Michael’s Monastery, Tetiana, 25, said she would celebrate on 25 December for the first time.
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