Tonight is Ukrainian Christmas Eve, and for many families across the province, it's a special time.

That's true for Portage la Prairie's Tess Achtemichuk and her family. She's holding a gathering at her home featuring the traditional 12 meatless dishes, and says a lot goes through her mind every year.

"I certainly think back to my parents, and I also think of my family over in Ukraine, and the many families I have there. And of course my children, and I think of them and we certainly look forward to a family time. And then you try to invite someone who doesn't have family, or someone who's alone."

Achtemichuk realizes the number of people who celebrate Christmas by the Julian calendar is dropping.

"I think we have pockets of it. Don't forget we have a lot people who have immigrated here from Ukraine, many of which are still here, and of course, they forward, this is their Christmas, this what their family back home celebrate. So, yeah, we still have a stronghold of Ukrainians that celebrate this Christmas."

She hopes younger Ukrainian families will talk to their kids about the celebration.

"They've certainly been exposed to it. Our son from Winnipeg is coming home, and he knew, I didn't even have to prompt him, so I think the interest is there. And maybe as their families start to grow, they will want to share some of that. I'm hopeful that they will at least talk to their children about it."

Here's Tess Achtemichuk's Ukrainian Christmas greeting

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