Displaced Ukrainians in Southwest England Prepare for Third Christmas Away from Home

Individuals from Ukraine, having sought refuge in southwest England following Russia’s invasion of their homeland, are getting ready to observe their third Christmas in the region. Among them are Serhii Kyrychenko, his wife Ira Ternovska, and their son Denys, who fled to Cornwall. Mr. Kyrychenko stated, “It was scary for us to just leave everything and go somewhere we don’t know.” Ira added, “I did not want to go,” but clarified, “but I understood I must save my son.” The couple has since established themselves in a flat located in St Austell, where they are making preparations for their third Christmas spent in exile. A recent cultural adjustment has begun to align the Ukrainian Christmas celebration more closely with the British observance. Historically, Ukrainians adhered to the Julian calendar, also preferred by Russians, which places Christmas on 7 January. However, a segment of Ukrainians has now embraced the Western Gregorian calendar, celebrating Christmas on 25 December. Ukrainian Christmas festivities commence on Christmas Eve with a vegetarian feast. Serhii elaborated, stating, “It is tradition to make at least 12 dishes,” and specified, “All of them should be without meat.” Serhii further clarified that Ukrainian Christmas Day bears a strong resemblance to its British counterpart. He described it by saying, “It is allowed to eat anything you want, drink anything you want and then go and take care of your stomach.” Denys, aged twelve, expressed his anticipation for opening presents, though he noted that the primary excitement for him was simply having a break from school. Concurrently, Serhii and Ira mentioned their intention to utilize the internet to communicate with the friends and family members they were compelled to leave behind. Serhii reflected, remarking, “It’s kind of sad, you know,” and continued, “We can see them but we can’t hug them. We can spend time with them but only with their pictures.” Era sorrowfully stated, “I miss my brother,” adding, “I miss my mother, father, friends; I miss snow. “In Ukraine, at this time, when it snows, it is very, very beautiful”.” For updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note that The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.