Christmas celebrations on both sides of the war-torn Ukraine-Russia border.
Kindergartners receive charitable donations from Santa, provided for by a Russian aid convoy.
For the self-proclaimed leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, it's a time to focus on what's ahead.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) HEAD OF SELF-PROCLAIMED 'DONETSK PEOPLE REPUBLIC', ALEXANDER ZAKHARCHENKO, SAYING (ADDRESSING CROWD FROM STAGE):
"I would like to share with you a thought, that worries, probably all of us. I would like to wish that in the next year we finally live in a normal territory of the Donetsk region, and that we have peace."
Refugees who fled embattled eastern Ukraine to southern Russia are celebrating, even far away from home.
A Christmas put on by a shelter offers holiday cheer.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) REFUGEE FROM LUHANSK, ELENA, SAYING:
"There is a happy mood .. it is all the same, celebrations are the same everywhere. They are enjoyable for the children
