Russian Christmas

Russian Christmas falls later than the western Christmas celebration. In part this is because the Julian calendar is used by the Russian Orthodox Church and so their Christmas begins on January the seventh instead. Although the rest of the country of Russia follows the Gregorian calendar, which is thirteen days ahead, the Russian Orthodox Church refuses to adopt it still living buy the old one. The reason for this decision was not a religious one but instead one that was made to take a stand against what was deemed an oppressive government that was trying to interfere in the running of the church. For those who are not as religious the Russian Christmas celebration will coincide with the western one. But, even though it may begin on Christmas Eve, it is as likely to be continued on until the seventh and celebrated all over again. This is so common that many Russian children can look forward to being given gifts twice.

Would you like to learn more about a Russian Christmas, including Russian Christmas Food? Check out my website, MerryChristmas4You.com!

Only 22 days until Christmas!

~~Charlotte