Welwyn Garden City came together to celebrate an emotional and festive Ukrainian Christmas party.
The party - which was held at the Focolare Centre on Saturday, December 17 - gave Ukrainian refugee families a chance to celebrate Christmas while the war continues in their home country.
Daria Diak, an organiser of the party, said: “This event was important for people whose families were separated by the war and forced to leave their homes.
“We wanted them to feel like they were back home by recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas celebration, talking about its history and traditions that take its origins many centuries ago. These traditions lie within our genetic code. 
"Christmas in Ukraine is different to Christmas in Europe, to understand it, you need to see it. We, Ukrainians, honour and value our traditions, which our nation has been nurturing for thousands of years.
“It is through our culture that other people can get to know us better. At the time when local residents provide shelter to Ukrainians in their homes, this is especially important”.
The party included a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner, carol singing, art, a craft workshop and much more. 
Cllr Michal Siewniak, who helped organise the party, said: “Finding joy in simple and little things is so vital for our self-care, sense of togetherness and emotional wellbeing.
“A massive thank you to the Hertfordshire County Council for a small pot of funding of £400 and to all the organisers.
“It was also lovely to see the mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Cllr Barbara Fitzsimon, who came to show her support."
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