'Connect them with their culture': St. Nicholas visits Oseredok
![St. Nicholas Oseredok opened its doors to families from Winnipeg's Ukrainian community, offering holiday craft workshops, entertainment, and – of course – the opportunity to meet Saint Nicholas himself. (Source: Daniel Timmerman, CTV News)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/12/3/st--nicholas-1-6671568-1701646631986.png)
Winnipeg's Ukrainian cultural and heritage centre played host to more than 150 children Saturday, as they gathered to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day.
The afternoon event marking a beloved Ukrainian tradition aimed to bring joy and a cultural connection to many who are still settling into their new lives in the city.
Oseredok opened its doors to families from Winnipeg's Ukrainian community, offering holiday craft workshops, entertainment, and – of course – the opportunity to meet Saint Nicholas himself.
The event featured three time slots throughout the afternoon to allow for proper distancing and scheduling flexibility.
"All the kids will come to Oseredok, and they will have to prove to St. Nicholas that they were good this year," said executive assistant Tetiana Pavliuk. "We will be making different activities and items to show to St. Nicholas that we are good and what we want to get. St. Nicholas will then give us prizes for that."
For the older children, the festivities included creating a traditional Ukrainian Christmas spider, a decoration hung on the door throughout the year to catch negative thoughts and feelings. As Pavliuk described, "It's kind of a dream catcher, Ukrainian style, and then we usually burn it before the next Christmas."
The smaller children painted and finger-painted their Christmas decorations, depending on age.
Saint Nicholas Day falls on Dec. 6 this year, so Oseredok decided to celebrate early due to its midweek occurrence.
The Ukrainian story of Saint Nicholas speaks of his devotion to helping others, kindness, and generosity.
Pavliuk said their event was meant to help Ukrainian newcomers fleeing the war with Russia feel at home in Winnipeg, while also introducing them to Oseredok's programs and services.
"We believe it's that bridge that can connect them with their culture," Pavliuk said. "Because they are in a new city, most of them don't speak the English language, they don't know many people yet. And having this event here in Oseredok is the chance for them to connect with other people."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972801.1721660708!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
WATCH LIVE 'We failed,' says Secret Service director grilled on Trump assassination attempt
The director of the Secret Service says the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was the agency's 'most significant operational failure' in decades.
Hollywood reacts to Joe Biden exiting the U.S. presidential race
Hollywood was quick to react to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden was ending his bid for re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
What to know about the Canadian ties of Kamala Harris, Biden's choice for successor
U.S. President Joe Biden is stepping aside as the Democratic candidate in that country's November election and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris -- a Montreal-area high school graduate who spent several years in the city.
Prince George is 11 -- see his birthday photo
Prince George has turned 11, and as per tradition his proud parents have released an official portrait to mark the occasion.
Israel orders evacuation of part of Gaza humanitarian zone as war's toll passes 39,000 Palestinians
The Israeli military ordered the evacuation Monday of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone, saying it is planning an operation against Hamas militants there.
Wildfire forces evacuation of B.C.'s Barkerville gold rush heritage site
Visitors have been told to avoid B.C.'s historic Barkerville gold rush town, which is among several areas in the province's Cariboo region under evacuation orders due to the massive Antler Creek wildfire.
LeBron James to be Team USA's male flag bearer for Olympic Opening Ceremony
NBA legend LeBron James has been selected as Team USA’s male flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.
Air Canada cuts 2024 forecast amid tough competition in international markets
Air Canada is lowering its 2024 forecast as it grapples with tough competition in international markets and its planes aren't as full as it anticipated during the second half of the year.