On December 24, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Archives Employees and Christmas Eve according to the Gregorian calendar. In the world, this day is celebrated by those Christians (Catholics and Orthodox) whose churches have switched to the Gregorian calendar. Also, the world today celebrates the Day of the last minute buyer.
Day of employees of archival institutions of Ukraine
This holiday was established to emphasize the important role of archives in preserving the historical memory of the country. Archives are real treasure troves, where documents that tell about the past, shape the present and pass on knowledge to future generations are stored. The Day of Archives Workers was officially established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine in 1998. It falls on the anniversary of the creation in 1993 of an independent archival system, which became the basis for the protection and development of the national documentary heritage.
Archivists are entrusted with the preservation of historical documents covering all periods of Ukrainian history. They are engaged not only in collecting and organizing materials, but also in digitizing and popularizing archival funds.
Interesting facts
More than 60 million files are stored in the Ukrainian archives, including documents from the times of Kyivan Rus to the present day.
The Central State Historical Archive in Kyiv preserves unique documents, for example, hetmans’ wagons and lists of Cossacks.
One of the oldest documents is the charter of Prince Mstislav the Great, dated 1130.
In the 21st century, digitization of archives is being actively implemented, which makes access to historical data fast and convenient.
Archives are often used to restore family histories and genealogical research, which is becoming increasingly popular.
Christmas Eve
Ukraine celebrates Christmas Eve for the first time on December 24. Since 2023, Ukraine has taken this step, celebrating the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar. This decision symbolizes the return to European traditions and the rejection of celebrations according to the Julian calendar. Discussions on this matter have been going on since the 17th century.
Orthodox, Catholics and Greek Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25. However, this date is conditional, because neither in the Bible nor in any historical sources is it accurately recorded. In the Roman Empire, December 25 was traditionally celebrated as the day of the “Invincible Sun,” a holiday that symbolized the beginning of the victory of light over darkness, as the daylight hours began to increase after the winter solstice. To weaken the influence of this pagan holiday, Christians, according to historians, chose this date to celebrate the birth of the “Sun of Truth” – Jesus Christ.
The tradition of celebrating Christmas on December 25 has survived to this day, although different Christian denominations do it according to different calendars. Catholics and most Protestants follow the Gregorian calendar, while some Orthodox churches, particularly in Russia, Serbia, Georgia and, until recently, Ukraine, observe the Julian calendar, where December 25 corresponds to January 7 in the modern calendar.
Christmas is not only a religious holiday, but also a day of joy, hope and anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Ukrainians, it became an opportunity to feel unity with the world, which mostly celebrates Christmas on this day. Christmas Eve symbolizes the beginning of something new and good. This year, it has a special meaning for Ukrainians, because the celebration takes on new features associated with spiritual revival and the desire for independence in all aspects of life.
Interesting facts
The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to correct the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar. Today it is used by most Christian churches in the world.
Christmas Eve of 12 dishes in the Slavic tradition symbolizes the 12 apostles who accompanied Jesus Christ.
In Ukraine, there is a unique tradition of singing carols, which appeared in pre-Christian times and has been preserved as part of Christmas celebrations.
The first nativity scenes symbolizing the birth of Christ appeared in Italy in the 13th century thanks to Saint Francis of Assisi. In Ukraine, however, they took the form of theatrical performances.
In different countries, the celebration has special features. For example, in Poland, it is traditional to leave a free seat at the table for an unexpected guest, and in Mexico, theatrical processions are held that recreate the search for shelter by Mary and Joseph.
The transition to the December 24 celebration brings Ukraine closer to European countries, where this holiday long ago became not only a religious, but also a cultural phenomenon.
Last minute shopper day
Every year on December 24, the world unofficially celebrates the Day of the last minute shopper. This is the time when malls and stores are filled with people who remembered forgotten gifts or decided to do everything at the last minute.
This day has become part of the holiday culture, because for many it is almost a tradition to find the right thing in the pre-holiday bustle, even if there is almost no time. Stores usually prepare for the influx of customers by offering discounts and holiday promotions.
Interesting facts
The most popular purchases of the day are gift certificates, sweets, jewelry and alcoholic beverages.
Online shopping has become a lifesaver for many, with many platforms offering instant shipping or e-gift cards.
In the US, the day coincides with the highest level of retail sales, with shoppers spending more than $3 billion on Christmas Eve in 2022 alone.
Some stores are specially open until late at night or even 24 hours a day to meet the needs of customers.
Many people admit that this day gives a special atmosphere of pre-holiday excitement, even if everything happens at the last minute.
Historical events on this day
1518 – King Sigismund I gave permission to Prince Vasyl Sangushka to turn the village of Kovle into a city, granting him Magdeburg rights. This became an important step in the development of urban planning and self-government in Ukrainian lands.
1624 – Hetman Mykhailo Doroshenko concluded an interstate agreement on mutual assistance between the Zaporizhzhya Army and the Crimean Khanate. This agreement became an example of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and its neighbors.
1760 – Russian Empress Elizabeth signed a decree that allowed landowners to send their peasants to Siberia. This decision further strengthened serfdom in the empire.
1777 – Captain James Cook during his travels discovered the island, which he named Christmas Island on January 2. This discovery went down in history as one of the most famous journeys of the era of great geographical discoveries.
1814 – In Ghent (now Belgium), a treaty was signed between Great Britain and the USA, which ended the Anglo-American War. This document established the restoration of pre-war borders and became an important stage in international relations.
1851 – There was a large-scale fire in the Library of Congress of the USA, which destroyed 35 thousand books and many unique documents. It was one of the biggest incidents affecting the cultural heritage of the United States.
1903 – The first car registration number was issued in Great Britain – Duke Russell, the brother of the famous philosopher Bertrand Russell, received the plate with the number A1.
1908 – The opening of the first international air show took place in Paris, which became a landmark event in the development of aviation.
1914 – A German plane dropped a bomb on the English city of Dover. It was the first case of air bombing in history.
1920 – On the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the legendary singer Enrico Caruso performed the last part of his career – Eleazar in Halevi’s opera The Cardinal’s Daughter.
1958 – In the USSR, mandatory eight-year education was introduced, which became an important stage in the development of the education system.
1979 – The Soviet Union began the occupation of Afghanistan, which was the beginning of a long war with serious consequences for the region and the world.
1982 – An experimental sample of the largest serial cargo aircraft An-124 “Ruslan” made its first flight. This achievement became the pride of Ukrainian aviation.
1997 – The first concert of the “Mandry” band took place, this day is considered the founding date of the group, which has become one of the symbols of modern Ukrainian music.
2004 – The Ukrainian satellite “Sich-1M” was launched into orbit for remote sensing of the Earth. It was the second satellite of the “Sich” series, which contributed to the development of Ukrainian space technologies.
“Infernal machine” and the attempt on Napoleon
On December 24, 1800, an attempt on the life of the first consul of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, took place in Paris on Saint-Niquez street. This event went down in history as the “infernal car”, a term that became widely used in France after the incident.
The attempt consisted of the use of an explosive device hidden in a large wine barrel filled with gunpowder, which was mounted on a cart. The barrel was blown up with a lit wick. Napoleon, who was riding in a carriage, miraculously escaped death, although the explosion caused considerable destruction and caused numerous casualties. Data on the number of dead and injured vary. According to some sources, 5 people were killed and 26 wounded, according to others – 22 dead, 28 seriously wounded and about a hundred lightly wounded. 46 houses were also destroyed or seriously damaged.
Napoleon, despite the attempt, kept calm and immediately went to the opera, where the audience congratulated him for the failure of the plot. In response to the event, he stated: “For such a cruel crime we must avenge ourselves like lightning; blood must be shed“. Napoleon quickly used the incident to fight against political opponents. About 130 people suspected of being in opposition to the regime were expelled from France without a proper trial. Even after Joseph Fouche’s police apprehended the real criminals, Napoleon refused to pardon the innocent, using the situation to finally destroy the remnants of the terrorist groups.
It was the second attempt on Napoleon. The first, known as the Dagger Plot or the Opera Plot, took place on October 10, 1800, but was foiled thanks to the work of police agents. Since then, the term “infernal machine” has come to be used to describe any explosive or shooting device that was not an official means of warfare. Such devices were often made by revolutionaries or radicals in an attempt to achieve their political goals.
The assassination attempt on Napoleon became not only a historical moment, but also a symbol of the struggle for power in post-revolutionary France, where each new regime had numerous enemies ready for radical actions.
Founding of the Ku Klux Klan
On December 24, 1865, just six months after the end of the American Civil War, six Confederate veterans formed one of the most famous and feared secret organizations in history, the Ku Klux Klan, in Pulaski, Tennessee. The founders gathered in the office of Judge Thomas M. Jones, recorded on the memorial plaque of the local courthouse (it was later dismantled).
After the abolition of slavery in the United States, blacks received their long-awaited freedom, which led to social tension. In some regions, there were waves of violence and looting, with blacks reportedly taking revenge on their former slave owners. In response to this, secret organizations began to emerge in the states, especially in the South, whose purpose was to intimidate and massacre blacks.
Initially, the Ku Klux Klan used the image of “ghosts” – members of the organization donned white hoodies and hoods to scare their victims. But later their methods became extremely cruel. They staged public executions, known as “lynch trials,” by hanging, burning, or burying alive.
Before the attacks, victims were often sent symbolic warnings — orange seeds, melon seeds, or oak branches. This provided an opportunity to leave the area or stop activities that the Klan did not like.
The Ku Klux Klan had a strictly hierarchical structure. The Great Mage was at the head, subordinated to him were “great dragons”, “cyclones” and other titled participants. Ordinary members called themselves “vampires”. The organization operated according to a complex system of conspiracy: no one knew the names of the other participants or the place of the next meeting. The uniform, with slits for the eyes, made it possible to remain anonymous, even before the federal authorities.
The word “Ku Klux Klan” has several versions of its origin. The most common hypothesis connects it to the sound of a gun bolt, another – to the Greek word “kyuklos”, which means “circle” or “ring”. In Latin, the similar term “cucullo” means a hood, which could have inspired the name “hooded circle”.
The organization has left behind a bloody trail of terrorist acts aimed not only at black people, but also at their allies, Republicans and human rights defenders. Over time, the Ku Klux Klan turned into a powerful network that united hundreds of thousands of members. She became a symbol of racial hatred, violence and intolerance, leaving a deep mark on the social and political history of the United States.
This organization is a reminder of the terrible effects of bigotry and social injustice that, even after the official ban of the Klan, continue to affect American society.
Vyacheslav Chornovil’s birthday
On December 24, 1937, Vyacheslav Maksymovich Chornovil was born in the village of Yerky in the Kyiv region (now Cherkasy region), a prominent Ukrainian politician, journalist and one of the brightest leaders of the national-democratic movement of the late 20th century. He was the initiator of the proclamation of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Ukraine, a candidate for the President of Ukraine in the 1991 elections, as well as a Hero of Ukraine.
Chornovil was a devoted fighter for the independence of Ukraine. After losing the 1991 election, he said: “I didn’t lose. Ukraine lost”. This phrase aptly conveys his political mission — to work not for personal success, but for the future of the state.
He sought to unite the Ukrainian people, opposing the division into “West” and “East”, saying: “We are a single state, a single people with a common destiny. It is necessary to think about the state, and not express claims to each other.”
Chornovil was also an opponent of any coercion in language policy, stressing: “We need such a national policy that would help every citizen feel the organic need to learn the state language and be proud of its knowledge.”.
He sharply criticized corruption in Ukraine, calling it a reflection of an inverted pyramid: “In the West, corruption is like a pyramid, where there are many scoundrels at the bottom and fewer at the top. In Ukraine, the opposite is true: for one person who can give a bribe, there are dozens who want to receive it.”.
Chornovil died in a car accident on March 25, 1999 under unknown circumstances on the highway near Boryspil. His funeral in Kyiv gathered up to 200,000 people, which was evidence of the scale of his figure for Ukrainian society.
Vyacheslav Chornovil left behind a rich intellectual and political legacy. His ideas about unity, justice and responsibility remain relevant today, and his quotes continue to inspire new generations of Ukrainians.
Actual quotes of Vyacheslav Chornovol:
“I am a politician of all Ukraine. Maybe it’s a bit loud and they don’t talk about themselves like that… But I have an Eastern mentality, and at the same time, I’m a Galician in some ways.”
“The time has come for a great choice: either unity and victory, and the path to light, or defeat, shame and again the long road to freedom.”
“We have always been opponents of violent Russification. We will always oppose violent Ukrainization. But we need such a national policy that would help every citizen of the republic to feel the organic need to learn the state language and be proud of its knowledge.”
“Corruption exists everywhere. Thieves, drug dealers, pimps and other scum are always interested in having patrons in power structures. Therefore, they do not spare money to bribe a policeman or a judge… However, the higher this contagion penetrates into the power structures, the fewer renegades there are. Therefore, corruption in the West is like a pyramid, where there are many scoundrels at the bottom, and fewer and fewer traitors at the top. In Ukraine, everything is the opposite… For one person who can give a bribe, there are dozens and hundreds of those who want to receive it.”
Agreement on the joint use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait
On December 24, 2003, in Kerch, the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement on the joint use of the waters of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. The document was intended to establish the rules for the peaceful settlement of all issues related to these water areas.
The contract was drawn up in two copies – in the Ukrainian and Russian languages, both texts had the same legal force. The main principle laid down in the document was that all disputed issues between the parties should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means by mutual consent of the two states.
At that time, this agreement was perceived as a guarantee of security and stability in the region. Some even called it “written guarantees”, relying on Russia’s compliance with the agreements. However, the validity of this document actually ceased after 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and violated all previously concluded agreements.
This treaty became another reminder of the importance of not only legal guarantees, but also the political will to implement them.
