17.12.2019
Ukrainians about New Year holidays (December 5–8, 2019)
- According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group, 76% of Ukrainians have a tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day. Over the past year, the share of those who stated that they follow this tradition has increased (67% in 2018). The highest support for the tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day is observed in the West of the country (almost 90%). In other regions, a significant share also follows this tradition: 78% in the Center, 70% in the South, and 64% in the East. This tradition is more often supported by rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
- Half of Ukrainians believe in Saint Nicholas. At least that is what this share admitted to sociologists, and compared to last year, their number has increased (43% in 2018). Belief in Saint Nicholas is most widespread in the West (58%), while in other regions about half of respondents share this belief. As with the tradition of giving gifts on this holiday, belief in Saint Nicholas is more common among rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
- At the same time, fewer Ukrainians believe in Ded Moroz (31%), although the dynamics are positive compared to last year (25% in 2018). Overall, belief in Ded Moroz is relatively more common among residents of the South, urban residents, women, younger respondents, and more affluent Ukrainians.
- About 40% of respondents named New Year and Christmas as their favorite holidays. For another 7%, Saint Nicholas Day is their favorite, and for 3%, Old New Year. Only 3% do not like any of the listed holidays. In long-term dynamics since 2011, the share of those who like New Year has decreased (from 49% in 2011 to 43% in 2019).
- In the South, East, and Center, New Year is more often named as the favorite holiday, while in the West, Christmas is most often considered the favorite. Greater preference for New Year is observed among men, urban residents, and young people. Accordingly, Christmas is more often preferred in rural areas, among older respondents, and among women.
- Almost 80% of Ukrainians plan to set up a New Year tree at home: 40% a live tree and 38% an artificial one. Eleven percent of respondents stated that they will not set up a tree and will limit themselves to a New Year decoration, while the same share will not do anything at all. In dynamics over several years, the share of those who prefer an artificial tree has slightly increased. Supporters of a live New Year tree are more common in the South and East; in the Center the shares are almost equal, while in the West respondents are more inclined to set up an artificial tree. Overall, those who plan to set up a tree are more often found among younger and more affluent respondents.
Methodology
- The survey audience consisted of residents of Ukraine aged 18 and older. The sample is representative by type of settlement, region, age, and gender.
- The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews.
- The margin of error does not exceed 2.2%.
- Fieldwork dates: December 5–8, 2019.
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