Christmas letter
that I’m sending to you from Poland.
Dear friends, this week, I arrived in Poland. My head is still dizzy from the jet lag and excitement of seeing my loved ones. It will be the first Christmas in 8 years that I’ll be celebrating with my Belarusian and Ukrainian families, not over the phone but around the table in real life. All those years before were filled with too many difficulties and hardships that made us leave our homes, separated us between different continents, and prevented us from seeing each other. If someone told me in the past what life would bring our way and how much pain and grief we would go through, I would probably think how unlucky we were. Today, after everything that happened, I think how lucky we are to persevere, build homes away from home, and stay close despite the storm that tried to drift us apart.
I wrote this little poem, a Christmas wish to you:
No matter where you are, May this Christmas, stars shine brightly above your home with hope. May the warmth of the hearts fill the coldest rooms. May the loneliness disappear in the ocean of love. May all lost souls find the place where they belong.
This week, I realized that I’m not poor because I changed homes so many times — I’m rich because I have so many places to call home.
Last weekend, I shared the incredible story of the Ukrainian song Shchedryk, which became the beloved Christmas classic Carol of the Bells. It’s a story about hope, perseverance, and the power of music. More than one hundred years ago, a Ukrainian choir went on a mission to save their country by sharing Ukrainian culture with the world. If you missed this article, I’ll be so glad if you read it and share it with others!
The incredible story of Shchedryk – a Ukrainian song behind the beloved Carol of the Bells
The forgotten history of the most famous Christmas song and how the power of music changed the world’s perception of Ukraine.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Warmly,
Darya
Email: daryazorka@substack.com
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What a heartfelt article. I am so happy you are able to spend the holidays with your family and friends. I always enjoy reading your articles. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas. My Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian family members have all become Americans after a few generations. But our ancestors and history still shapes us. Enjoy your holidays with your family.