New Year
Audi USA posted a short video on Instagram where die-cast car models drift in the snow instead of flying reindeer. In the video, miniature versions of famous Audi cars, including production, racing, and classic models, have fun in a winter landscape.
Pope Leo XIV called for a global Christmas ceasefire, expressing sorrow over Russia's rejection of the request. The Pontiff hopes for 24 hours of peace worldwide.
Ukrzaliznytsia is assigning 16 additional trains, attaching carriages, and increasing the frequency of regular services for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Priority is given to the Carpathian direction to ensure recreation and rehabilitation for military personnel and families with children.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged her office staff to get some good rest during the Christmas holidays, as next year will be tough. She noted that the past year was difficult, and the next one will be even worse.
California was hit by severe winter storms, bringing abnormal precipitation and gusty winds, disrupting Christmas travel for millions. Authorities declared an evacuation, and forecasters warn of critical danger from landslides and infrastructure damage.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the decision on 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027, adopted on December 19.
From December 24 to 26 and from December 29 to 31, test shuttles will run in Kyiv between Darnytsia and Vydubychi. This will allow reducing train intervals to 15 minutes during morning and evening peak hours.
The total cost of the 2025 Christmas table increased by 11% to UAH 913. 57, despite cheaper vegetables. Kutia and uzvar became significantly more expensive due to rising prices for their ingredients.
Prices for winter holidays in the Carpathians vary significantly: from UAH 150,000 for 5 nights for two near Bukovel to UAH 10,000 in Vorokhta. UNN analyzed accommodation offers near the Bukovel ski resort, revealing different price categories and comfort levels.
"Stranger Things" broke its own record with the premiere of its 5th season, showing the highest weekly viewership among streaming series.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported that Russia launched over 600 drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine, with energy facilities in the west of the country being the most affected. Due to the attack, emergency power outage schedules are being applied throughout the country, which will be canceled after the situation stabilizes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to prepare proposals for new approaches to holidays. He noted that the war has brought changes, and some dates need to be streamlined.
A cyberattack crippled France's national postal service, La Poste, three days before Christmas, blocking parcel deliveries and online payments. This caused significant difficulties for millions of people in the midst of the holiday season and dealt a blow to the company, which delivered 2.6 billion parcels last year.
The elusive street artist Banksy unveiled a new mural depicting two children. Instagram users called the work cute and tender, rejoicing at the new creation for Christmas.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a possible massive Russian strike on Christmas. He emphasized the shortage of air defense and urged Ukrainians to respond to air raid alerts.
British singer Chris Rea, known for his hits, has died at the age of 74 in hospital after a short illness. His debut album was released in 1978, and his hit Driving Home For Christmas is still popular.
Preparing Olivier salad in 2025 will cost 10 hryvnias less than in 2024. The total cost of the dish for a family of 4 people will be 355 hryvnias, which is 3% less compared to last year.
Professional astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko spoke about the influence of the waxing moon and Venus's transition into Capricorn on the week of December 22–28. She advises putting affairs and finances in order, as well as summing up the year, as the Black Moon changes signs from Scorpio to Sagittarius.
On the eve of the holidays, there is a significant increase in passenger and transport traffic at the border with Ukraine. In one day, 15,000 more people entered Ukraine than left.
Lena Shepel, a personal and business finance advisor, shared tips on how to avoid financial traps during the holidays. She emphasized the importance of budget planning, avoiding self-blame, and creating a financial safety net.
Incorrect placement of a Christmas tree can cause a fire and early needle shedding. Avoid warm places and direct sunlight, choose cool areas, and ensure adequate watering.
Find out how to decorate your home for the New Year if you can't put up a Christmas tree. UNN offers six alternative options for creating a festive atmosphere.
Queues of hundreds of cars have formed at the border with Poland, especially at the Krakovets and Shehyni checkpoints. Over the past day, almost 67,000 people crossed the border in Lviv region, with entry into Ukraine prevailing.
The average budget for celebrating New Year 2026 in Russia is about 14,000 rubles, which is almost half of what Russians planned to spend on celebrating 2025. This is due to rising inflation and increasing food prices, which leads to savings and reduced spending on celebrations.
A selection of inexpensive gifts up to 500 and 2000 hryvnias for men and women is presented. Ideas include garlands, certificates, books, accessories, care kits, gadgets, and experience certificates.
A selection of five iconic Christmas movies that create a special magic and atmosphere. Among them are "A Christmas Carol", "Elf", "Home Alone", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Die Hard".
Representatives of "Plast" handed over the Bethlehem Fire to the chaplains of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The fire will be delivered to the soldiers in the combat zone as a symbol of support and home comfort.
The occupation administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast is "gifting" homes of Ukrainians to families of Russian ZNPP employees. This is happening under the pretext of the New Year, using the homes of Ukrainians who have been killed, deported, or forced to leave.
In temporarily occupied Mariupol, ticket sales have resumed at the drama theater, despite it being destroyed by Russian troops. The first performances, including "Chic Wedding" and "The Scarlet Flower," are scheduled for late December.
Winter holidays in Kyiv will last from December 25 to January 11 inclusive. Parents will be able to bring their children to school for extracurricular activities and clubs.