Kyiv:

On December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, Mayor Vitali Klitschko lit the main Christmas tree in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, as a symbolic gesture. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church had adopted the Gregorian calendar that advances the Christmas celebration to December 25, distancing it from Russian customs.

This decision comes as Ukraine and Russia continue to be at war, with Russia celebrating Christmas on January 7, according to the Julian calendar. Changing the date of the commemoration is a symbolic gesture to separate themselves from Russia.

This year's artificial 12-meter-tall Christmas tree is adorned with blue and yellow heart-shaped ornaments and the Ukrainian coat of arms at its pinnacle. In addition to the big tree with the theme "Brave Hearts," which Klitschko dedicated to Ukrainian defenders, there is a heart-shaped picture area and smaller decorated Christmas trees.

Thousands gathered in the Indepedence Square to witness the Christmas tree and honor their servicemen. Private donations support the Christmas tree because all the government funds are now spent in supporting the Ukrainian army.

By January 10, Ukraine's Christmas tree will be down as part of the new holiday schedule. There will be no public gatherings or festivals, and the capital's curfew will stay in effect from midnight to 5 a.m.

Although Christmas is typically held on December 25, certain Orthodox countries, notably Serbia and Russia, observe the festival on a different day.

Kateryna Didyk, 32, a faithful in the square, acknowledged that she had been celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the past seven years, but this was the first time she has observed St. Nicholas Day so early, having previously observed it on December 19.