“And this is the photo of the salad we often eat,” my virtual exchange student from Ukraine told our little group today.  “We don’t usually eat cookies at Christmas.” 

For almost thirty minutes, she explained her country’s traditions surrounding December 19^th’s “Saint Nikolas Day”, Catholic Christmas on the 25^th and the Orthodox Christmas on the January 7^th. 

She even explained the story behind one of my favorite Christmas songs, Carol of the Bells (Ukrainian Bell Carol). 

Another silver lining of having virtual exchange students this year!