When the first star appears in the December sky, Christmas Eve begins in Ukrainian homes. The family gathers around the festive table. In the center is kutia, surrounded by warmth, memories, prayers, and good wishes for the coming year. In many communities, there is a tradition of remembering those who have passed away and then blessing the living, wishing them harmony, happiness, and prosperity. Only then does the dinner begin—quiet, solemn, and deeply symbolic.

We warmly carried this tradition to the UNBROKEN Center in Lviv, where defenders from all over Ukraine undergo treatment and rehabilitation. Twice already, the UNBROKEN Foundation has organized a Christmas dinner for military personnel and veterans to give an atmosphere of celebration, hugs, and gratitude to those who defend our freedom today.

Defenders from different parts of the country gathered at the festive table. For some, this Christmas was the first without their loved ones nearby. Some had never tasted kutia before. Others wore a vyshyvanka for the first time or heard a live Christmas carol for the first time. Despite their different life experiences, priorities, stories, and wounds, they all felt that today they were at home, in the family circle of the Unbroken.

Christmas carols were sung at dinner, and the air was filled with the aromas of traditional holiday dishes. We traditionally prepare 12 lean dishes so that everyone can experience the taste of a real Christmas. Patients shared their memories of how they celebrated at home and what traditions they had at the family table.

The Christmas dinner at the UNBROKEN Center was made possible thanks to the coordinated cooperation of partners and volunteers. The festive dishes, which created an atmosphere of home comfort, were prepared by the Foodicine Company team, with special attention to the traditions and tastes of different regions. Thanks to them, the guests of the evening were able to taste authentic kutia, borscht with dumplings, varenyky, and other dishes of Christmas Eve.

The special atmosphere of the holiday was complemented by embroidered shirts worn by veterans and military personnel. They were provided by Halychanka, a company that has supported the foundation's projects on more than one occasion. The embroidered shirt became not only an element of clothing, but a symbol of respect, dignity, and cultural roots. Partnership support also came from Ikos Shoes, whose assistance helped create the most comfortable conditions for the evening's guests.

Numerous volunteer initiatives, youth and community organizations, including members of the Plast movement, joined in the preparation and conduct of the celebration. It was thanks to the efforts of all participants that the winter evening was transformed into a true celebration of unity, gratitude, and unbreakable spirit.

This is not just an evening, but a memory and gratitude, deep respect for traditions, about unity that is born even within hospital walls. And also about faith – in goodness and shared victory. We know for sure that such evenings remain in our hearts for a long time, like the brightest memories in the darkest times.