Christmas Market 2025 —where tradition comes alive

On November 29, our parish breathed the spirit of celebration from the early morning hours. Even before the doors opened, the air was filled with familiar, comforting scents — sweet homemade pastry, freshly prepared borshch, fragrant candles, and the anticipation of Christmas. The women of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada moved between the tables, greeting vendors, adjusting final details, straightening ribbons on Christmas wreaths — doing what they have done faithfully for decades. This year’s Christmas Market became more than just another event. It became a testament to how heritage is carried from heart to heart, from one generation to the next.

These three interviews spoke of one thing: the need to be together

This year we stepped away from the usual reporting format and instead asked those who attended: “Why are you here? What does this Ukrainian Christmas Market mean to you?” The answers were different — yet deeply connected.

I. Grandfather David Kerluke and grandson Alex: returning to their roots

The first people we met near the table of icons and Christmas ornaments were a grandfather and his grandson. David, a Ukrainian Canadian of the third generation, held a carved wooden icon in his hands and spoke quietly, as if remembering something deeply personal. His grandparents arrived in Canada before the First World War, at a time when Ukrainian settlers were only beginning to build their homes here. His mother spoke Ukrainian with him, yet over the years the language slipped away and was not preserved in his own family.

“We lost many traditions… But not all of them. I still remember the smell of kutia, the carols, the candlelight. I told my children about it. Now I want my grandson to feel what I once felt,” he said. His grandson, around twenty years old, examined the embroidered towels with great interest. We learned that he studies Ukrainian religion and culture at university. “Only 25% of my ancestry is Ukrainian. But it influences me greatly. It is a part of me. I want to understand it more deeply,” he shared.

For both of them, this market allows them to return and reconnect with cherished memories and traditions from their past, and a chance to revive and explore these with a renewed enthusiasm.

II. Robert Albota: where culture comes alive

A little further, near a table filled with pysanky and handmade crafts, we met Robert Albota — someone we often see at cultural events and parish celebrations. Smiling, warm, and attentive, Robert spoke fondly about our parish and recalled memories of Father Ihor. He admitted that he does not attend services as often as he would like, but events like this market give him an opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

“This place is a chance to talk again and rediscover Ukrainian traditions. In every dish, every craft, every story… Ukrainian culture breathes here. And we have the chance to touch it,” said Robert. He emphasized that through such initiatives younger generations discover Ukrainian identity, while older generations pass on what their parents and grandparents once protected for the future generations.

III. Viktor Stetskevych: the market as a space of unity

Parish President Viktor Stetskevych was, as always, working side-by-side with everyone — helping move tables, greeting guests, and offering a warm word to each person.

“This is more than a market. This is where we feel like a family. Where Canadians get to know our culture, and where we support meaningful social projects. We must continue these traditions. They are our roots,” he emphasized.

A thank-you that comes from the heart.

This report would not be complete without heartfelt gratitude to those who make this market possible. The Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada is more than an organization — it is a steadfast force that has supported our community for many years.

We extend our sincere thanks for their dedicated work to: Olena Stetskevych, Natalka Foty Mason, Valentyna Padalko, Tamara Rudenko-Charalambij, Larissa Bayrachny, Olena Vintskovska, Olena Baran, Nina Romas, Sofiia Sadanenko, all the women that worked hand-in-hand with them to execute the event, as well as all those who, year after year, cook, bake, decorate, welcome guests, and support our parish and Ukraine. Thanks to you, each Christmas Market becomes a cherished part of our community’s story.

Conclusion

This year’s Christmas Market showed that tradition endures when communities gather. People who remember. People who pass traditions on. People who come together — to support the church, the community, Ukraine, and one another. Christmas does not begin with a date. It begins where love and shared values are present.