Holidays

Our Ukrainian holidays began with the arrival in Kiev of our sons on Saturday, December 22. After meeting their on-time flights, we spent the afternoon and evening exploring the capital city. We arrived serendipitously at the main square just as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was about to begin. There was a large well-lit stage set up beside a massive dark Christmas tree, and several fur-clad performers entertained with holiday songs. The main street, closed to traffic for the evening, was filled with revelers who were also warmly dressed against the freezing crisp air. After a countdown to 5:00 pm, the tree lights were illuminated, and a ten-minute fireworks show began. The tree flashed through a series of pretty multi-colored geometric diamonds, circles, and stripes, producing a holiday light show second to none. Following the ceremony we enjoyed traditional Ukrainian borsch at a nearby restaurant before heading to the train station for our overnight ride home.

Back in our home city we introduced the boys to our various groups and haunts. Our train arrived at 10:15 am Sunday, and at 1:00 that afternoon they graciously helped with our children’s English Club by leading “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” and acting out one of our favorite children’s stories, “The Paper Bag Princess.” Since paper bags are virtually unheard of here, plastic bags sufficed. Keith was charming as the princess with a plastic bag hat, and Scott was deliciously haughty as the dragon who is outsmarted by the princess, and Peter played the handsome but vacuous Prince. The kids loved it.

On Monday we had our host mom Sveta over for lunch. Tuesday, though Christmas Day at home, was a regular school day. The boys were invited to my university to lead an 8:30 am 2nd year English class. Then we were invited to lunch at our host mom’s with her and her sister-in-law, a gracious special woman whom we call “babushka.” The boys experienced the type of multi-toast, special event meal that we have come to know well, and Keith got a first-hand look at the equipment used for making samahone, the local homemade vodka. He was hoping to get a demonstration, but the timing wasn’t right.

On Wednesday night we attended an end of semester party for the university department at which Peter works. It was held at a local club, and students and teachers celebrated together. There were skits and entertainment provided by the students, followed by disco dancing until the wee hours. Keith and Scott were of great interest to the (especially female) students of English. Both decided that it was the closest they will ever come to feeling like rock stars. We oldsters left at 11:00, and the boys found their way home by 1:00.

The holidays feel compressed here. Kiev and our city’s Christmas trees were lighted on December 22. Tree lots could start to be seen around town about that time. Gifts are to be exchanged on January 1, and most families were carrying home the small cut trees a day or two before that. All in all it feels quite lovely and sane.

We will be celebrating when all five of us are together, beginning January 5 with Kristen’s arrival. In the meantime, we wish all a happy and healthy 2008!