Ukrainian Christmas Nativity Play For the Ukrainian American Youth Association (CYM) in St. Petersburg, Florida, preserving and passing Ukrainian Christmas traditions to the younger generation is an important part of their mission. Fifteen young CYM members have come together to create their own theatrical production of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas Nativity Play (Vertep), combining the traditional Christmas drama with beautiful Ukrainian carols. The children not only perform the roles, but also work together to recreate the atmosphere of Ukrainian Christmas through music, characters, and live theatrical performance. This year, the young CYM performers are embarking on their second annual Christmas tour throughout Florida with their production. They will present the Nativity Play in different cities and Ukrainian churches, giving communities the opportunity to hear traditional Ukrainian carols and experience a Christmas performance created and performed by the children themselves.