Ukrainian newcomers say they’re looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas in this province and hope to share their traditions this holiday season.

Many Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, meaning they celebrate Christmas Day on January 6, also known as Old Christmas Day.

Serhii Kuper arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador earlier in the year and says this Christmas will be a special one as his family recently arrived on a charter flight from Poland.

He says they plan to celebrate on December 25 and January 6.

Kuper says he’s prepared lots of gifts for his family and Christmas is a time to spend together.

Sofiia Galasymi, who arrived in St. John’s from Lviv on December 6, says this holiday season is bittersweet as her family is back home in Ukraine.

She’s sad that she won’t get to spend time with her family, but is also feeling excitement to meet new people and partake in new traditions while sharing traditions from back home.