The yalynka is the Ukrainian New Year tree - usually a fir or spruce. Families decorate it with coloured baubles, paper chains, lights and a star on top. Some families still use traditional decorations made from straw or paper, the way their grandparents did.
An important part of Ukrainian winter holidays is folk singing. Groups of children go from house to house singing kolyadky - traditional winter songs that have been sung for hundreds of years. The people in the house listen, often join in, and then give the singers sweets, biscuits, fruit or a few coins.
Families have a big late dinner on New Year's Eve. Tables are loaded with salads (especially one called 'olivye' made with potatoes, peas and pickles), varenyky, holubtsi (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat), and lots of pies and cakes. At midnight, fireworks go off, everyone hugs and wishes each other a happy New Year.
Children in Ukraine also wait for a special winter character - sometimes called 'Did Moroz' (Grandfather Frost) - who brings small gifts. He wears a long blue or red coat with white fur trim and has a long white beard. He travels with his helper, Snigurochka - 'the Snow Maiden'.