Ukrainian children who fled the war also deserve a holiday
While some prepare for family gatherings, the smell of gingerbread and the warmth of homemade Christmas trees, others are still trying to rebuild their world—thousands of miles from the place they once called home.
But there are moments when even refugee children can relive the magic of the holidays. And that’s exactly the kind of moment she created. The Beginning Foundation, organizing a unique event for Ukrainian and Polish children in Jelenia Góra.
This wasn’t just any holiday party. It was a story about community, about integration, about hope—and about the fact that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves a holiday full of joy.
Magic that arose from the heart’s need
On the last weekends of December at the headquarters The Beginning Foundation At 19 Krótka Street, it’s truly Christmassy. The Christmas tree, the lights, the smell of gingerbread, the music—the entire space has been redesigned to make children feel like they’re in a fairy tale.
The originator and main organizer of the event was Daryna Bakhur, president The Beginning Foundation, which for three years has been creating a space in Jelenia Góra for Ukrainian families forced to flee the war.
— “These children deserve the holidays just as much as anyone else. Even though they are far from home, they cannot lose what is most beautiful: a sense of security, joy, and carefreeness. And if we can give them that, even for one day, we do it with all our hearts.” — says Daryna.
All children—from both Ukrainian and Polish families—were invited to the event. This time, however, the workshops were mainly attended by children from Ukraine, who especially need such moments of joy and normalcy.
Gingerbread workshops, or sweet integration
The first part of the event was gingerbread decorating workshops.
The tables were laden with colorful icings, sprinkles, chocolate elements and molds.
The children happily created their sweet little works of art – some intricately decorated, others full of fantasy and expression.
Huge thanks from the children and the organizers went to the bakery @family_podterger, who donated fresh, fragrant gingerbread.
It’s time for the most important guest – Santa Claus
When the children finished creating their sweet masterpieces, a Santa Claus — in full costume, with a bag of gifts and a big smile. It was a moment when even the adults forgot their everyday worries for a moment.
Some children stared at Santa in disbelief. Others immediately threw their arms around him. Each child received a gift—sweets, small gifts.
But the greatest gift was attention and timewhich children so lack in situations of migration and long-term stress.
Not just for the holidays – it’s part of a larger mission
The Christmas event is not a one-time event. The Beginning Foundation runs regular events. Ukrainian Saturday School, which we wrote about earlier in Eastern News. This is a place where children can cultivate their language, culture, and traditions, while integrating with the Polish community.
Teachers and school volunteers played a huge role in organizing the Christmas gathering.
They prepared the room, divided tasks, led workshops, and looked after the youngest children.
“We want children to feel that they belong here too”
This phrase was repeated most frequently in conversations with the organizers. And it’s hardly surprising.
For many Ukrainian families, Jelenia Góra has become a second home – not by choice, but by necessity.
Yet it is here that they begin to create a new everyday life, meet friends, and build a sense of security.
The holidays are a symbol. A symbol that even far from home, one can feel the warmth of community.
A symbol of hope that childhood does not have to be destroyed by war. A symbol of the fact that together you can create something special.
“Christmas far from home, but not without love”
This is how you can sum up this day.
People of different histories and languages met in the hall on Krótka Street.
They had one thing in common: the need to be together and the need to bring joy to children.
The Beginning Foundation is already announcing further events.
The nearest — 16 and December 20, a big winter festival for the youngest – promises to be equally magical.
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.
He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.
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