January 7 — Christmas: history and traditions of the holiday

In early January, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, one of the key holidays of the church calendar, dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ. In the old days, it was called winter Easter, because the Resurrection of the Savior is inextricably linked with His birth from the Blessed Virgin. Read more about the history and traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article.

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Christmas is one of the central holidays for Christians of all faiths, as it symbolizes the beginning of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. In the Russian Orthodox Church, it is celebrated on January 7, while Western Christians and some local Orthodox churches celebrate on December 25. The difference in dates is explained by the use of different calendars: Orthodox Christians follow the Julian ("old style"), while Catholics and Protestants follow the Gregorian calendar.

Initially, since the second century, Christmas was celebrated together with Epiphany, a celebration that united three events: the birth of Jesus, the bringing of the gifts by the Magi, and the Baptism in the Jordan River. Christmas became an independent holiday only in the fourth century under Pope Julius. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church highlights Baptism as a separate event celebrated on January 19th.

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Orthodox Christmas 2026: A History

The events of Christmas are described in detail in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to legend, Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus announced a population census throughout the empire, including Judea. According to tradition, everyone had to register in the city of their origin, so Joseph the Betrothed went with the pregnant Virgin Mary to Bethlehem.

Due to the large influx of people, they could not find a place in the hotel and had to spend the night in a cave for livestock. There Mary gave birth to the Son of God, whom she named Jesus. After wrapping the baby in swaddling clothes, she put him in a manger for animals. Shepherds were grazing near the cave, and an angel appeared to them at night and informed them of the Savior's birth. The first witnesses of this miracle, ordinary people, hurried to worship the Infant and his Mother.

Immediately after that, a new star appeared in the sky, later named the Bethlehem Star. Her light brought to the city the wise men of the East, the magi, who came with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Upon learning of the birth of the Messiah, King Herod ordered the killing of all infants under two years of age in Bethlehem. The angel warned Joseph in advance, and the holy family managed to escape to Egypt, where they remained until the tyrant's death.

Christmas in 2026: traditions of the Orthodox holiday on January 7

Christmas celebrations begin the day before, on Christmas Eve, which is considered the strictest day of the Christmas Fast. Believers who strictly observe the church's rules abstain from food until the end of the divine service, allowing themselves only a small reinforcement of sochiv, a lenten dish of grain and honey, which gave its name to Christmas Eve itself.

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From January 6-7, solemn services are held in Orthodox churches, which last until late at night. The main liturgy of the country takes place in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow with the participation of the Patriarch. On Christmas Day itself, believers invite relatives and friends, arrange festive feasts and children's events.

In Russia, Christmas Eve and Christmas were celebrated with a festive dinner. Traditionally, 12 dishes were prepared — according to the number of apostles, the main treat was sochivo. Cabbage rolls, dumplings, pancakes, vegetable salads, mushrooms, pickles and pastries also appeared on the table. It was considered obligatory to try everything cooked to ensure well-being and prosperity in the new year.

On Christmas Day, the diet became more diverse: meat and dairy products appeared on the table. The rich peasants slaughtered a piglet or a lamb, while the less well—off killed a bird. In the villages, they cooked "goats" — buns in butter in the form of goats, sheep and lambs, symbolizing the barn where Jesus was born.

On the eve of the holiday, children and teenagers went caroling, walking through the courtyards in bright costumes with a Christmas star on a long pole, singing songs and congratulations. For this, they were lavished with sweets, pastries, and sometimes money.

On January 7, Yuletide began in Russia — special holidays between Christmas and Epiphany (January 19). During this time, believers visited relatives, took care of the lonely elderly, orphans, the sick and the needy. The villages came alive with noisy festivities, fairs and performances. Despite the condemnation by the church, fortune-telling and rituals aimed at attracting crops and prophetic dreams remained, which made Yuletide a time of folk rituals and fun.

What you can and can't do on Christmas Day on January 7th

The Orthodox Church does not set strict restrictions on the celebration of Christmas. By this day, the Christmas fast has already ended, so food bans are lifted. At the same time, the clergy draw attention to the fact that the festive meal should remain moderate: overeating and alcohol abuse do not correspond to the spirit of the celebration.

On the holiday itself, it is not recommended to burden yourself with heavy physical work and household chores. There is no formal prohibition on work, but Christmas is usually dedicated to prayer, communication with loved ones and works of charity, so that everyday worries do not obscure its spiritual meaning. In addition, you should not quarrel with others, insult them, gossip and swear. Such actions are considered a sin.

Signs for Christmas on January 7th

In Russia, the weather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was seen as a kind of guideline for the future. A clear evening on January 6 was associated with a good harvest in the coming year. If a snowstorm rose on Christmas Day, it was interpreted as a sign of an early and warm spring, whereas a thaw promised prolonged spring cold. The snow that fell on the morning of January 7 was considered a good omen and promised a prosperous and successful year.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history, traditions and signs of the national holiday of St. Nicholas the Winter.