In ancient Ukrainian tradition, a proper celebration of Christmas and New Year required serious symbolic preparations. Always, in time of harvest, people would make a Didukh, using stems of different grains (rye, wheat, oats etc.) and pick out some soft fragrant hay. One was supposed to complete all work around the household before Christmas Eve.
Read more fun facts here -> https://acuarts.ca/pdf/Ukrainian_Christmas_Fun_Facts.pdf