Kremlin calls for truce, as Ukrainians across Stamford and Rutland get set for Christmas
Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th
Millions of Ukrainians will be doing their best to get together with their loved ones today, according to a Stamford refugee.
Maria Berestovska, who fled her home near Kyiv with her daughter Hanna last year, says around half the population still have an Orthodox Christmas - which sees them hold Christmas day on the 7th January.
Maria celebrated Christmas Day with her hosts on the 25th December alongside her husband Glib, who stayed behind in Ukraine after Russia's invasion and only recently re-joined his family in Stamford.
'We had a very good time with our sponsors - they cooked a nice Christmas dinner and we joined together. It was very nice, very friendly and very warm. My family will keep this in our memory forever', Maria said.
But millions of other Ukrainians will be preparing for Christmas to fall tomorrow - and would normally take part in a number of traditions:
'Most of the families get together and cook, and wait until they see the first star in the sky symbolising the birth of Jesus Christ - then they would sit at the table and have the traditional dish which is called Kutya', Maria said.
'There is also a traditional dinner which comprises 12 dishes, but not many families would cook that many - but some do. After they've had their food they would usually sing Christmas carols and be in a festive mood.'
The Kremlin announced a 36 hour ceasefire as millions across Russia and Ukraine celebrate an Orthodox Christmas.