Christmas is a time of joy, family, and celebration; however, for many worldwide, Christmas looks very different. For families living in war zones, Christmas does not eliminate the constant fear of death. In challenging times, people seek little tokens of happiness.
In Ukraine, Christmas has taken on a new meaning. In 2022, there was no electricity on Christmas Eve, a consequence of Russian missile strikes on the country’s power grid. Discussions about Christmas dinner recipes were replaced by conversations about missile strikes. Evidently, the holiday spirit is not as joyous as before. Despite being away from their families, some soldiers sat with comrades and enjoyed traditional Christmas kutya. Other soldiers spent Christmas Eve on the front lines; 10 were killed. As civilians spent Christmas morning drinking “war coffee,” President Volodymyr Zelensky sent an empowering message: “We will celebrate our holidays. As always. We will smile and be happy. As always. The difference is one. We will not wait for a miracle. After all, we create it ourselves.”
Amid bombs and destruction, Ukrainians strive to find some sense of normality within the inescapable abnormal. In 2023, Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25th for the first time as part of an ongoing effort to remove Russian influence from their country. Previously, Ukraine celebrated Christmas in January alongside Russia; this change is a strong assertion of Ukrainian national identity. Marking the second Christmas at war, President Zelensky stated, “Today, all Ukrainians are together. We all meet at Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country.” He highlighted that while many families would still have empty seats at the table, all would pray for peace together “without a time difference of two weeks.” Considering this change, spirits were a little higher this year. The frontlines showed no signs of abating, but several Ukrainian soldiers made the best of their circumstances. In a makeshift church, soldiers gathered for a liturgy to sing hymns.
Historically, Christmas during wartime has looked different in many ways. Throughout World War I, Christmas observances occurred even on the battlefield in an event famously known as the “Christmas Truce.” On Christmas Eve 1914, British forces heard German soldiers in the trenches singing Christmas carols and saw lanterns and small fir trees along their trenches. Soon, the two sides started shouting messages to each other. On Christmas Day, British and German soldiers met and exchanged gifts in a moment of solidarity. Some took photographs together; others played football. They also buried casualties and paid their respects. Yet, like in most wartime Christmases, the holiday was not peaceful for most soldiers. Elsewhere the fighting continued, and casualties occured.
While many enjoy the luxury of a peaceful Christmas morning, millions around the world wake up on December 25th to the sound of gunfire. Amid devastating conflict, individuals in war zones find ways to embrace small moments of joy, warmth, and community.
