S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2: Heart of Chornobyl — Christmas Eve at the Zone

Winter envelops the world, and even the Zone cannot resist its embrace — though She always does it in her own anomalous way. Sudden blizzards sweep across the land like Emissions, transforming once-familiar grasslands into an endless snowy wasteland. The piercing cold grips your bones if caught outside during these fleeting moments of frozen wonder. And yet, as quickly as it comes, it vanishes, leaving no trace but an everlasting memory.
Is it a new psy-induced phenomenon, a sinister forewarning, or perhaps a true Christmas miracle? Stalkers, as always, adapt and get used to it. They stash supplies under spruces, sharing their coordinates with trusted buds while resting by the camps. Preparing for the year's adventures, they find warmth in shared tales and thousands of new colleagues that finally made their way into the Zone.
In these frozen winds, a familiar tune echoes — a melody so native to these lands, resonating far beyond its borders and into the hearts of the Mainland.

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[ArtemisiaAbsintum]

Carol of the Bells is a world-famous Christmas song with Ukrainian origins. Its melody is based on a traditional Ukrainian folk chant called "Shchedryk, " which dates back to pre-Christian times. The song was originally performed as a New Year's carol, celebrating the arrival of spring and prosperity. The lyrics tell the story of a swallow bringing good news of wealth and a bountiful harvest.

In 1916, Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych arranged and harmonized the traditional chant, creating the choral masterpiece that would later gain international recognition. "Shchedryk" was first performed by a student choir at Kyiv University and soon became a beloved symbol of Ukrainian culture.

The song reached global audiences when Peter Wilhousky, a Ukrainian-American conductor, adapted it in 1936 with English lyrics, renaming it Carol of the Bells. His version transformed the original New Year's theme into a Christmas one, focusing on the imagery of bells joyfully ringing during the holiday season.

Today, Carol of the Bells is a staple of Christmas music worldwide, performed by choirs, orchestras, and in countless modern adaptations. It remains a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine and the enduring power of music to connect people across borders.

[seedered]

May the next Christmas find Ukrainian families in their own homes and reunited with their loved ones.
The cover was deeply moving.

[hlopci_z_lisu]

Погортав коментарі. Багато привітань, багато різних мов. Крім болотної. Це тішить. З Різдвом Христовим!

[sajmon]

Tree is a hidden monolith transmitter.

[sergiolol]

Merry christmass to GSC and all Stalkers on the zone!

[LuxArcadiaUa]

Дякую за вашу працю! Зі Святвечором та Різдвом вас!

[milanzavadil]

Za mě, nejlepší open hra na světě!!!❤

[ProfessorNormal-EU]

Merry Christmas from Sweden to all stalkers around the zone.

[NeoPoliDron]

Такого Щедрика я ще не чув. Дуже атмосферний кавер.

[filypefx]

You guys have the most badass xmas song... and this version dont drop the bar.

[kristyna]

I heard this carol on the in game radio yesterday evening and listened for the whole duration. Amazing touch. Thank you GSC and Merry Christmas to all stalkers ❤

[openworldgames]

Merry Christmas everyone! May you find many artifacts under your tree this year 🎄

[STALKER-chfq]

Смачної куті та спокійних свят. Перемоги нам Україно!

[ОлександрОсадчий-уш]

Звучить наче саундтрек до різвяного DLC до відьмака)
Дякую Вам, GSC Game World, за змогу повернутися на 15 років назад і знову згадати ті емоції, які були від першої гри. З Різдвом Вас!

[Армэнчик-чб]

"Головне Скіф, головне, не їш жовтий сніг!"

[-MSF-]

Дякуємо за чудову гру. Всіх зі святом. Ісус народився.

[sphyrnazygaena]

Happy Holidays to all the team at GSC!! Hail to the Heroes defending their country and thank you so much to bring this great labor of work of a game!! Both on reaching the deadline and to provide such a great support afterwards! Much love from Argentina!

[Larthas]

Дякую вам за ваш проект, а бойовим побратимам із числа Вашої компанії за стійкійсть і мужність! Зі свят вечором шановні Українці!

[godzilla]

Merci beaucoup Joyeux Noel et Bonne Année à toute l'équipe CSG excellent chef d'œuvre et bien sur à tous les Stalker de la zone !☢❤❤❤👍🎄🎅🎉☢

[shaw]

Absolute class act, that is what you guys and gals are at GSC. The quality of the game you made, along with your character, resilience and work ethic continue to do you proud. Keep up the good work and be safe. Love Stalker 2 and cant wait to see what you do with it in the future. Merry Christmas!