When you are fleeing from war, trying to cram your entire former peaceful life into one suitcase, and find yourself thousands of kilometers away from your home, it is important to meet people who will not let you 'fall.' The feeling that there is someone who will always support you gives you the strength to keep going.

And they are keeping going! They are Ukrainian women who find themselves in a tiny German town because of Russia's bloody war against their homeland. They are members of the FEMINA organization.

As Christmas approaches, according to German tradition, Christmas markets open selling handmade products, toys, tree decorations, food delicacies and drinks. FEMINA took part in one of these. 

The girls and women offered for sale what they had personally made: baked goodies, incredibly beautiful decorative Christmas ornaments, and warm knitted clothes. A choir sang Ukrainian songs. 

It just hit me - they are combining everything in the best possible way: gathering like-minded people, creating beautiful things with their own hands, presenting our Ukrainian culture, songs, dishes! And most importantly, they are donating all the money they raise at this fair to purchase a drone for Ukrainian defenders and firewood for a Ukrainian orphanage when there is no electricity for heating. 

They, these Ukrainian women, do not just keep their spirits up, they support those who also need it. I believe that our power is in unity.

Of course, I bought some goodies there. And also New Year's decorations. And now, looking at the lights, I want to believe that someone in Ukraine will feel a little brighter and warmer from them.