Facing oppression at home, numerous Ukrainians emigrated, bringing their traditions with them. Significant Ukrainian immigration to Canada dates from the 1890s. This 1942 film depicts Christmas in a Ukrainian farm community near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Christ's baptism is commemorated with a ceremony featuring a large cross of ice. Festivities include costumes and dancing. Traditional music is performed by Ukrainian Manitobans.

Ukrainian communities of the Canadian prairies still follow the Julian calendar and celebrate Christmas on the seventh of January. Traditional foods are prepared for the holy Christmas Eve supper, eaten when the first star of the evening appears. Then traditional carols and light-hearted dances in gay costume continue the festivities. In striking contrast, on Christmas Day the Ukrainians gather at the Greek Orthodox church to worship in a solemn service with ancient ritual.