The melody is a Ukrainian song called Shchedryk, or New Year's carol, written by composer Mykola Leontovych and first performed in Kyiv at Christmas 1916. On Christmas Eve, Ukrainian Radio Choir ...

KIEV, December 25. /TASS/. Ukraine celebrates Christmas at the country level in accordance with the Gregorian calendar for the first time. December 25 has been declared a day off in the country.