When do the winter holidays truly come to an end? Is their conclusion determined by the calendar—or by the emotions that continue to resonate in our hearts? And can Christmas ever be lost if it is carried forward by children, memory, and living tradition?
Саме з такими відчуттями в осередку СУМ (Спілка Української Молоді) у Пассейку (штат Нью-Джерсі) відбулося завершення зимового святкового циклу – не просто як підсумок різдвяних подій, а як глибоке символічне дійство, що поєднало традицію, сучасність і болісну реальність війни.
This year’s program brought together nearly 200 children who took to the stage to tell the story of Ukraine through dance, word, and song. Traditional dances from Halychyna and Bukovyna, vibrant costumes, rhythm, and movement became more than just aesthetic elements of celebration—they were expressions of a living culture passed down from generation to generation, even across the ocean.
A deeply emotional thread of the evening was devoted to the theme of war. The theatrical performance “Christmas Has Not Been Lost” combined monologues of soldiers and mothers, creating a space for an honest conversation about pain, longing, and hope. It was a Christmas that passes through trenches and evacuations, yet does not lose its meaning.
The vertep performed by the senior youth was structured as a journey through different stages of Ukrainian history—from deported Ukrainians of the past to today’s refugees. Past and present intertwined on one stage, reminding the audience of the continuity of the Ukrainian experience.
The entire performance was united by carols sung by the children and choir, adding depth and a shared resonance—the voice of a community.
The celebration was traditional in its essence, yet strikingly contemporary in form and meaning. Although it had to be postponed due to bad weather, no storm can halt the need to come together, to remember one’s heritage, and to pass it on to the next generation.
This closing of the winter holidays at SUM became yet another affirmation: Christmas does not end with a date. It endures wherever there are children, culture, memory, and faith in Ukraine.
Author: Tamara Zayats