Christmas Eve 2025: traditions, dishes, and prohibitions to remember

Christmas Eve is a family evening on the eve of Christmas, filled with symbols and traditions. Learn what the symbols and dishes mean, how to start dinner correctly with the first star, and what prohibitions to observe in 2025

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Christmas Eve is a family evening on the eve of Christmas, filled with symbols and ancient rituals. This holiday combines Christian beliefs with folk customs, and the main tradition is to gather the whole family at the table when the first star appears in the sky. This moment symbolizes the anticipation of Christ's birth and the beginning of the festive dinner.

What does Christmas Eve mean and how did people prepare for it

The day before Christmas has long been devoted to preparation, cleaning the house, and prayer. Family members did not eat until the first star appeared — this was a sign of restraint and anticipation.

Housewives carefully cleaned the house, laid new or freshly washed tablecloths and towels, and prepared festive clothes. From the morning, preparations for lean dishes continued, because Christmas fasting lasts until December 25, so Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally without meat and dairy products.

Didukh, hay under the tablecloth, and a Christmas candle: symbols of the festive table

Before dinner, the host brought didukh — a sheaf of wheat or rye — into the house. Its meaning is multi-layered: it is a symbol of the spirit of ancestors, harvest, and prosperity in the home.

The festive table had separate ritual details:

● the table was covered with hay — as a reminder of the manger where Jesus was born and as a sign of connection with the earth and labor;

● Garlic cloves were placed in the corners — it was believed that they protected the home from evil forces.

● A festive tablecloth was spread on top.

● A Christmas candle was lit — a symbol of divine light.

Dinner usually began with a prayer. Silence, calm, and respectful attitude towards each other should reign at the table. Christmas Eve was perceived as a “significant” evening in folk tradition: it was believed that how it passes will determine how the whole year will be. Therefore, it is important not to rush, not to quarrel, and to maintain a warm atmosphere in the house.

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12 lean dishes on Christmas Eve: what should be on the table

One of the most famous traditions of Christmas Eve is 12 lean dishes. They symbolize the 12 apostles. Kutia and uzvar, which are called “God's food,” occupy a place of honor. Kutia is tasted first.

Traditional dishes on Christmas Eve: kutia, uzvar, lean borscht with mushrooms or beans, dumplings with cabbage, potatoes or poppy seeds, lean stuffed cabbage rolls, fish or herring, beans or peas, stewed cabbage, mushroom soup, doughnuts, lean pancakes, porridge, or potatoes.

The selection may vary from family to family, but the logic remains the same: lean, hearty, homemade dishes symbolize abundance, labor, and care.

Christmas Eve today: what has been preserved and how traditions have adapted

In modern life, some of the rituals have changed, but the key meanings remain. Not everyone observes strict fasting, but many families continue to prepare 12 fasting dishes as a symbol and tribute to tradition.

Christmas Eve remains a day of family unity, returning home, and remembering one's roots. Everyone sits down at the table when the first star appears, and before the meal, they pray and read the Lord's Prayer. On this day, people also give gifts, decorate their homes with Christmas decorations, and go caroling after dinner.

Ritual traditions are especially preserved in the western regions of Ukraine: there, the didukh is solemnly brought in and active caroling begins on Christmas Eve.

What is strictly forbidden on Christmas Eve

On this day, it is strictly forbidden to swear, use foul language, or speak ill of others. Christmas Eve should take place in a friendly, peaceful atmosphere. It is also recommended to postpone loud celebrations: this is not a night of loud celebrations, but a time of silence, light, and family closeness. Instead, after the meal, you can start caroling, glorifying the birth of Christ.

We remind you! Christmas in Ukraine is impossible to imagine without a generous festive table and ancient culinary traditions. Each dish has its own symbolic meaning and is prepared for a reason. Read about the 12 traditional dishes that Ukrainians put on the Christmas table and what every guest of the country should try.

Photo: Unsplash

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