Christmas is one of the most important and one of the most joyous Christian holidays, that is celebrated both by the Orthodox and Catholic believers. The difference is only in the date of the celebration; the Orthodox celebrate it on January 7th, and the Catholic on December 25th, but its message remains the same – the message of peace and love. We celebrate Christmas for three days.
It is primarily a family holiday, and the customs associated with it are numerous. On the eve of Christmas, Christmas Day, a Christmas tree made of oak wood is brought into the house, a lamp is lit and straw is spread in which sweets, prunes, nuts, sugar and coins are placed. The straw symbolizes the manger in which Jesus was born. The Christmas tree is a symbol of the longevity and solidity of Christianity, as well as the warmth of love that Christ brings to us with his birth and coming to earth. On Christmas Day itself, early in the morning, bells ring in Orthodox churches, announcing the birth of Christ. People go to church for the Christmas liturgy and everyone greets each other with the words "Christ is born" and "Truly is born."
