On 7 December, a pre-Christmas Ukrainian-Estonian family celebration was held in Võru in cooperation with the local Red Cross office, bringing together around 120 participants. The event featured a concert performance introducing Ukrainian Christmas traditions, with singing, dancing, and acting.
Astrid Org, the Community Coordinator for the Southern region of the Estonian Refugee Council, explained that the idea for the celebration emerged in September. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Ukrainians living in Võru—juggling work, school, and family—it became a reality. “The Ukrainians in Võru rose to the challenge. What was achieved in three months felt like a small miracle. By the day of the event, the old building provided by the Võru City Government—awaiting renovation—had been cleaned, decorated with Christmas lights, and filled with the scent of spruce. All participants, including Ukrainian families and their Estonian friends, enjoyed a concert programme lasting over an hour, which showcased Ukrainian Christmas traditions. We also learned what a vertep and koljatka are,” Astrid shared.
More than 30 performers took to the stage, singing, dancing, acting, and performing as entire families. Alongside the Ukrainian language, Estonian was also spoken on stage. Musical interludes were provided by Estonian colleagues, and bilingual hosts explained the proceedings.
In addition to the concert, the evening offered opportunities to visit a Ukrainian youth charity café, take family and friend photos in a photo corner, dance, and socialise. Children and their parents enjoyed a specially created playroom and had the chance to play KVEST—a popular Ukrainian team-based puzzle-solving game.
Thoughts from the organisers and guests:
Anna: “This was the first time since the war began that I didn’t think about it for an entire day. I didn’t read the news, and—embarrassingly—I even forgot to call my parents in Ukraine. In part, it was due to the preparations for the celebration, but also because I felt such a festive atmosphere inside me—something I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was as if I had been at home that day!”
Tatiana: “I’m grateful for the chance to show my Estonian friends our traditions—a piece of Ukraine that we all hold in our hearts. On stage, I felt such excitement, as though we were back home where everything is familiar and full of our own people. The audience welcomed us so warmly!”
Malle: “I believe the event preparations gave the Ukrainians an opportunity to feel included and valued, as they were entrusted with an important task. They managed this responsibility admirably, putting together a beautiful performance. I feel a little sad that only a few residents of Võru saw it—so much hard work had been done. The event reminded me of when Ukrainians first arrived in our town—with a bag in one hand and their children in the other. Today, they are independent, and many are even offering help to others.”
Levo: “The feelings, especially after the performance, were uplifting and energising. The atmosphere was shaped by the presence of so many children—I haven’t been at any Estonian event in recent years where so many children were gathered in one space! It created a sense of a restless, bubbling, youthful people with a certain future. I liked that young people were involved—performing, running the café, and organising. It gave a spontaneous, cheerful, chaotic family vibe. We left feeling positive and uplifted. Everything will be alright with Ukraine!”
The family celebration was organised with the support of the UN Refugee Agency.
