Two Ukrainian families now living in Dundee have spoken out about spending the Christmas season away from home.
Tetiania Al-Zubaidi, 34, and Julia Ptushlana, 33, will both be spending their first Christmas in Dundee after fleeing the Russian invasion earlier this year.
Ukrainians celebrate multiple holidays during the festive period, including St Nicholas Day (December 19), Christmas Day (December 25 or January 7 depending on religion) and the Epiphany (January 19).
‘We want to see our family’
While the season is usually spent sharing gifts and celebrating with family, the Russian invasion has changed the holidays for many Ukrainians.
Tetiania and her husband Abas fled their home in Kyiv with their 6-year-old daughter, Sandra, and nine-year-old son, Nazar at the beginning of March.
She said: “We want to be at home, of course.
“We want to see our family, but we must think of our children. We want them to be in a safe place.
“In Ukraine, we celebrate Christmas with our families.
“We will try and phone them during the holidays – we usually speak every day anyway.”
Ukrainian refugees celebrating Christmas for their children
Julia, who arrived in Dundee with her husband, Taras, and three children – Adam, 10, Emmanuel, 8, and Gloria, 3 – last month, said: “We have children so we have to celebrate.
“Like all children, they like the food and the presents.
“It’s difficult to talk about it. It’s hard when your family are not here.”
Tetiana added: “I think people don’t want to be stressed all the time. People want to do something good.
“We don’t want to sit and worry about the war all the time.”
Baptist church providing support for Ukrainians
Despite being separated from their families, the refugees are planning to bring some home comforts into their Christmas.
Tetiana said: “In Ukraine, we usually have a tree to decorate.
“I think I will buy a tree here as well.”
Broughty Ferry Baptist Church have also set up a toy drive for Ukrainian children living in Dundee.
The church already supports around 60 families at its ‘Ukrainian Coffee and Chat’ drop-in sessions, which are held twice a month.
Tetiana added: “I have no words to say how happy we are.
“The church has given us a big help and we feel loved and appreciated here.”
