For Mykyta Zakharchenko, 17 — who came to Canada by himself because of the war more than a year ago knowing hardly any English – this holiday season will bring “new feelings.” “We should build something new, in a way that respects and remembers our old traditions,” said Mykyta, as he sipped a coffee at Café Ukraine. However, he said there are more important things on his mind. “We have a war, we’re not thinking about a holiday.” Mykyta says he had established a good life in Cherkasy, south of Kyiv. He started a cryptocurrency company, joined a Ukrainian national rowing team and attended high school with family and friends close by. That all changed one morning in late February 2022 when he woke to a phone call from his best friend. “The war has started,” his friend said. Mykyta said he knew at that moment things wouldn’t be the same. Within the span of four days, it was determined he would move to Canada and live with a host family, while his mother and little brother would move to Germany. His grandmother remained in Cherkasy. His family is constantly on his mind. For Mykyta and many other Ukrainian newcomers who have been separated from their families, this holiday season will be a “painful” one, he said. “Christmas is a family holiday. It is when you should be with your family.”
Ukrainians in Ottawa have a choice about Christmas Day this season
