Christmas celebration

Today’s session of the Gabfest Club was dedicated to the celebration of Christmas in the USA. The session was visited by our PCV Mr. Andrew.
The session started with listening to Xmas music - to create the appropriate atmosphere. “Last Xmas” song very popular in Europe was not known to Mr. Andrew. The Oleg Skrypka’s video “Schedryk” was introduced and explained to our American friend. He was surprised to find out that this Ukrainian folk song arranged by Ukrainian composer Leontovych became the world famous “Carol of the Bells”.
The Club members asked numerous questions about Xmas traditions and foods in the United States. They also had to explain a lot of things to Andrew about Ukrainian Xmas traditions: the different date issue, the traditional food, folk ritual of Carols’ singing and others.
The second half of the session was arranged as a Xmas tea party with an array of Xmas treats – from western ginger breads to local chocolates and cookies. The highlight of the menu was carrot cake baked by our friend Andrew. The Club’s ladies liked the cake very much and noted down the recipe.  The accompaniment of world known Christmas Carols made the tea ceremony most enjoyable.
The session was a success and inspired wonderful Xmas feelings!