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We Examine 20+ Popular Christmas Traditions

By Minted | Last Updated: August 4, 2021

A CLOSE LOOK AT CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Christmas is one of the most important celebrations for Christians and every year billions of people around the world celebrate in their own unique ways, creating their own unique Christmas traditions. While many people celebrate Christmas on December 25th, it can be celebrated at different times or for longer periods of time depending on where you live in the world. Over 160 countries celebrate the holiday in some form. While some traditions are religious in nature, such as attending church, others are less formal in nature and might include decorating Christmas trees, watching themed movies, or baking cookies for loved ones. We have assembled a list of 10 of the most popular holiday traditions. See how many your family participates in and also gain inspiration on some new traditions you may want to start! We also have a fun list of 12 Christmas traditions around the world that you may or may not be aware of that you can use as ideas on how to celebrate Christmas in a new way with your family.

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS (in the U.S)

One uniquely American tradition during the holidays is watching specific movies and TV shows that put us in the holiday spirit. There are a number of favorites that range from old movies to cartoons. What better way to celebrate the holidays than with timeless classics such as “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th St.”, or “The Christmas Story?” Don’t forget those cartoons that will forever be a part of the holidays, such as “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and “Frosty The Snowman.” While some of those older movies and cartoons may not be as popular for the younger generation, you can always find more recent family favorites that bring a smile to your face, such as “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “ or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

As most of us have some time off during this time of the year, there are also a number of blockbuster movies that will be released during the holidays. Kick back, relax, and enjoy these great movies and shows during the holidays.

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Top-Performing Christmas Movies Based on Ticket Sales (source: BoxOfficeMojo)

Rank

Christmas Movie

Gross Worldwide Ticket Sales

1

The Grinch

$511,595,957

2

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

$345,141,403

3

A Christmas Carol

$325,286,646

4

The Polar Express

$313,500,433

5

Elf

$220,885,524

6

The Holiday

$205,135,175

7

The Santa Clause

$189,833,357

8

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

$173,961,069

9

The Santa Clause 2

$172,855,065

10

Four Christmases

$163,733,697

Once you have had your fill of binge-watching holiday movies, you may want to participate in one of the oldest Christmas traditions, which dates back to the 15th century. That is, of course, selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. Whether you go and cut down your own tree, buy one, or use an artificial tree, decorating a tree is one of the first signs that the Christmas holiday season is upon us.

If you do plan to venture out and find a real tree, finding the perfect one may take some time. You may want to consider things such as the scent, how sturdy the branches are in order to hold all of the ornaments, whether it drops a lot of needles, the price, color, shape, height, and so on. While there are a lot of variables to consider, you will know when you find the perfect one for your home.

Once you do finally get the tree into your home, the decorating fun begins. Adorn your tree with lights, tinsel, garlands, ornaments, and a number of other trinkets that suit your family theme and taste. Many families hang a special ornament each year that holds a special significance to them. Start a family Christmas tradition of adding one special ornament each year to your tree. Minted offers unique ornament holiday cards in case you wanted to create special ornaments to send out to loved ones this year.

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Holiday decorating is not limited to just the tree. Decorate your home with Christmas light displays and be the envy of your neighborhood. Some displays even coordinate the lights to turn off and on in unison with popular Christmas songs. Families often travel from miles around to search for the most beautiful light displays.

While you are decorating your home, don’t forget to hang stockings for each of your family members, even that special pet. Remember, you don’t have to have a fireplace to hang stockings. You can hang them from the staircase railing, from garland, on a bookcase, the footboard or headboard of your bed, your TV stand, and so many other places. Be creative! You may also want to read through our post on Christmas mantle decoration ideas.

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The tradition of hanging a strand of mistletoe in the house goes back to the 2nd or 3rd century. Mistletoe was said to have powers that bring good luck to a home by getting rid of evil spirits. More commonly, it was also used as a sign of love and friendship. This is where the custom of kissing under the Mistletoe originates. If you’re curious about where you can purchase mistletoe nearby, consider Home Depot, Lowes, your local hardware store, the garden section of Walmart or Kmart, or the pop-up Christmas tree sales tent.

Of the many Christmas traditions celebrated around the world, the most common thread is the celebration of a shared meal. Create memories and reflect on the year by joining friends and family together to enjoy a delicious meal. If the idea of interacting with a larger group this holiday season has you feeling uneasy, look to just host a special meal with your immediate household.

As you might imagine, there are countless food choices that people enjoy throughout the world during Christmas, however, there are some main staples that are a part of many Christmas meals. Some classics include roast turkey, ham or chicken, potatoes, stuffing, and of course you cannot forget the gravy.

Not everyone shares the same seasons and climate. In some parts of the world, there could be hotter temperatures during Christmas, which would result in serving colder or lighter dishes. Serving roasted meats cold or enjoying seafood recipes may be more common in warmer climates.

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While we all love a good meal, the actual process of baking together is often a family tradition in itself. Making cookies, baking pies, or building gingerbread houses falls in line with the holiday spirit that it is better to give than receive. Don’t forget to set a few cookies aside (with a glass of milk) for when Santa pays a visit. Some popular Christmas snacks include:

Gift giving is one of the most beloved traditions of Christmas (especially for children) and it goes back to when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger. Gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree or within stockings, but the timing and place could vary depending on where you live in the world. For example, in some European countries (Netherlands, Germany, Czechia), some presents are opened as early as December 5th, right before St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th. In America, we have created a few unique ways to exchange gifts in large group settings, such as

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The tradition of giving gifts to others is centered around showing how much we appreciate others and value the role they play in our lives. As you go about your holiday shopping, remember Christmas is a time to think about others and the joy of giving rather than receiving. Need some help finding the perfect personalized gift for your friends and family this year? Browse Minted’s Holiday Gift Guide for our top picks this 2021 season.

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Exchanging greeting cards has become a huge tradition during the holidays. It is a great way to communicate with friends and family and express that you are thinking of them. This year has been a very unusual one, with many of us not venturing too far from home, which means it has likely been a while since some of your more distant friends and family have seen your face. The annual holiday card greeting will be appreciated that much more this December. Did you know that in the United States alone, more than two billion Christmas cards are sent annually?

When it comes time to selecting Christmas cards for your loved ones, consider our wide range of beautiful and unique designs that capture the celebration of the holiday. Minted’s exclusive Christmas cards are designed by a global community of independent artists which guarantees that you will always find a unique and stylish design. There are a number of customization options available through Minted to add a more personal touch to your holiday greeting. Impress your friends and family with beautiful designs, premium quality, and experienced craftsmanship. Learn about what unique design trends we are seeing in 2021.

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The Elf on a Shelf phenomenon became a family Christmas tradition close to 15 years ago. It is derived from a children’s story about Santa’s elves watching over children and reporting back to Santa about the good and bad activities of the children observed that day.

The tradition has become extremely popular amongst adults and kids, as the Elf hides in a new spot every morning around the house and the kids try to find it. The elves are said to have magical powers derived from being adopted and loved by a child. However, the kids must follow one simple rule and that is to not touch the elf or the elves may lose their magic. If touched, the elves cannot report the children’s Christmas wishes back to Santa.

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Music plays a large role in many Christmas traditions around the world. We listen to holiday favorites with family and friends and have our playlist of favorite songs, such as “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and many others.

One Christmas tradition that has been passed down from many generations is caroling, in which a group of people shows up at homes to serenade inhabitants with holiday music. Some grade schools and high schools have even adopted the practice by encouraging certain groups of students to travel from classroom to classroom singing. This tradition or caroling dates back to the 19th century and is still practiced in many countries to this day. Due to social distancing concerns in 2021, the tradition of caroling may sadly take a year off this year.

12 ADDITIONAL UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

There are some truly unique and somewhat strange traditions that are practiced in different places around the globe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, it is possible that many of these traditions may not occur in 2021. Or, they may be re-imagined through a socially distanced lense. Either way, we wanted to share details about these unique traditions as we bet they will return in full force for future Christmas celebrations. Here is a sampling of just a few…

Countless German cities like Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg, and Duesseldorf host impressive Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, where locals and tourists can shop hand-made souvenirs and seasonal-themed edible treats like lebkuchen and pfeffernüsse. Some of these outdoor markets and villages have been re-created each year dating back 500 years. If you do find yourself at a German Christmas market this year, be sure to observe any social distance advisories and mask-wearing protocols.

This theme has become fairly popular over the last few years. Outfits our parents and grandparents wore during the holidays (considered fashionable at the time) are now the butt of the joke at these gatherings and have become a funny family pastime. The tradition of wearing over-the-top holiday sweaters will most likely stay strong and continue to bring people together for some laughs. To maintain social distancing, consider hosting an ugly Christmas sweater virtual party! In line with dressing up, be sure to check out our list of Christmas outfit ideas for the perfect family holiday card.

How would you like to take a nice swim in freezing cold water on Christmas morning? This may not be for you but hundreds of people in Brighton, England schedule a Christmas day dip every year with just a swimsuit and their Santa hat. This tradition is not exclusive to Brighton but also practiced in London’s Serpentine Lake, Sandycove, Dublin, and plenty of other cold bodies of water around the world. The thought of jumping in frigid Irish waters on Christmas morning is not for everyone!

While Christmas is not viewed as a huge celebration in Japan, a fairly new tradition has emerged in which families enjoy a feast of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas day.

One of Norway’s Christmas Eve traditions that dates back centuries is the act of hiding all the brooms in the house. This act deprives the witches and evil spirits of finding something to ride on.

Before Venezuelans in Caracas head home to enjoy their Christmas day feast of tamales, hundreds head to church on roller skates. Roads all across the city are closed to cars so people can partake in this unique annual tradition and skate to church in safety.

Numerous cities throughout the U.S. and Europe host a Dickens Fair tradition each holiday season. San Francisco has been hosting one annually since 1970. Unfortunately, San Francisco’s event is canceled this year, but stay tuned for 2021! Attendees will feel as though they have time-traveled back in time to a Victorian London setting where old-timey vernacular is used, vintage clothing is adorned, and bangers and mash are served at every other food stall.

On the Saturday before Christmas Eve, eleven villages in the city of San Fernando in the Philippines create giant lanterns in an annual competition. Known as The Giant Lantern Festival, this competition attracts people from all over the country to view this spectacle. The lanterns started off as small and simple creations, but over the years the lanterns have become more elaborate and much larger, reaching close to 20 feet. The lanterns are shaped in kaleidoscope patterns and are illuminated with electric bulbs.

One of the scarier traditions around the holidays takes place in Austria. While St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls with presents, his evil accomplice, Krampus, is said to capture the naughty children and take them away in a sack. Krampus is described to be a half-man, half-goat and young men dress up in costume to frighten kids during the Krampus Parade, which has grown in popularity across Europe.

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In Sweden, they construct a giant straw goat, known as The Yule Goat, which is over 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs over 3 tons. Every year, the goat is built in the same spot. If you are not able to view the Yule Goat in person, you can watch a live stream from the first Sunday of Advent until after it is taken down at the beginning of the New Year. More recently, vandals have been setting the Yule Goats on fire, which is easy prey given that it is made from straw.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center has to be one of the most iconic outdoor ice skating venues in the world. The seasonal rink opens around the end of October each year but starts to really lure in skaters once the Rockefeller Center Tree is lit in early December. Call ahead to learn what special socially distanced guidelines may be in place.

If roast turkey or ham does not seem appetizing for Christmas dinner, then how about fried caterpillars? This delicacy can be enjoyed in South Africa at Christmas. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth - also known as the Christmas caterpillar - is covered in different colors and is said to give a little extra luck in the New Year to all those who eat it.

No matter what Christmas traditions you practice during the holiday season, it is always a fun time of the year to share special moments celebrating with family and friends. Happy Holidays!

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25+ Best Christmas Traditions - Classic Holiday Activities

1

Take a hike.

RUSLANDASHINSKY/GETTY IMAGES

Nature is beautiful any time of year, and it's good to get some fresh air and clear your head whether you live in the snowy north or the sunny south. Make it a tradition that the whole family takes a hike on a certain day in December each year.

2

Dress up your pet.

PATRYK_KOSMIDER/GETTY IMAGES

Your cat or dog probably won't like us much for suggesting this one, but it's guaranteed to make everyone laugh! Another idea? Feature your pet on your annual Christmas card. (Face it: It's way easier than trying to get the rest of the family organized.) Just make sure to never, ever leave your pet unattended while still dressed in his or her costume.

3

Make homemade hot chocolate.

Buff Strickland

There's nothing like a mug of homemade hot chocolate on a chilly winter day. Forget the watery prepackaged types and make your own with these hot chocolate recipes. These would even make a great gift, packaged with a mug and some marshmallows!

4

Go ice-skating.

Becky Stayner

Gather your friends for some winter revelry. Embrace the cold weather and serve up some Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream Balls and your favorite Christmas cookies for an ice-skating party. No snow? No problem. Throw on a scarf and make it a porch party.

5

Go caroling.

Digital Vision.

Grab a few friends or the kids and head out to your neighborhood to sing a few favorites. And don't worry if you can't carry a tune; enthusiasm makes up for singing off-key!

6

Build a snow person.

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Go ahead and feel like a kid again! Don't just send the kids out to play; you need to go out and play with them in the snow, too. Dress your snow man, snow woman, snow dog, snow cat, or snow whatever in real mittens and hats.

7

Host an open house.

Lena Granefelt

If you don't have time for a full-scale party, host an open house so friends and neighbors can just drop in to say hello! Keep it simple, and offer easy appetizers or something like a hot cocoa bar.

8

Watch a tree lighting.

Steven FerdmanGetty Images

Can't make it to New York City for the Rockefeller Center tree lighting? Most towns around the country host an annual lighting ceremony, and many include other fun activities such as singing carols together. Bundle up and get excited about the start of the season!

9

Decorate with live plants.

Maria Dattola PhotographyGetty Images

Holiday plants are a great way to bring Christmas cheer to any room of the house without a lot of effort. Some, such as Christmas cactus, can live for decades!

10

Participate in an annual toy drive.

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Check with your local library, community organizations, or see if your kid's school is hosting a toy drive to find out how you can get involved. Or start one in your neighborhood, making your house the collection point.

11

Visit a Christmas tree farm.

arinahabichGetty Images

It truly isn't Christmas in your home until you've picked out your tree--and nothing's fresher than cutting it down yourself. Pile whole family in the car to pick out your tree at the local Christmas tree farm, which is a fun way to support local farmers, too.

12

Make a gingerbread house.

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This tradition has been around for centuries! Build your own gingerbread house, or purchase a pre-made kit. You can even host a party where teams compete for the best decorated house.

13

Listen to Christmas classics.

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It's not Christmas without hearing White Christmas! Put together a playlist of classic holiday hits from Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, and play it often. After all, the holiday season goes by so fast and you have limited time to enjoy those classic sounds.

14

Look at Christmas lights.

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Check out all the Christmas light displays in your neighborhood, and don't forget to hang up your own!

15

Count down with an Advent calendar.

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If you don't own one or if you've never used one before, try DIY-ing your own this year and turning it into a memorable Christmas activity. Your kids will have fun creating their own calendar—and of course, receiving a treat each day of December!

16

Plan a cookie exchange with your neighbors.

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Bake an extra batch and swap with your neighbors. That way, everyone gets a variety without all the work!

17

DIY craft something.

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You don't have to be super-crafty to make pretty DIY Christmas ornaments or wreaths. Plus, you and your kids will have a blast making something with your own hands.

18

Have a Christmas movie marathon.

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Right after Thanksgiving, start a best Christmas movies marathon. Once a week, gather the family to watch favorites such as It's a Wonderful Life, Holiday Inn, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and, of course, A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out!).

19

Use cash only.

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Our grandparents didn't go into debt over the holidays; they had a budget and stuck to it out of sheer necessity. "Spending with cash makes it more real. When it's gone, it's gone," says Elizabeth Revenko, a certified financial planning professional with Mosaic Financial Partners in San Francisco. "It also gives you a moment to stop and think about what you're buying, which makes spending more focused." If you shop online, use a prepaid card to stay within your limits (or make a promise to yourself not to go over your budget no matter what!).

20

Bake from scratch.

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Dust off the old recipe books or cards and try your hand at Bubbie's latkes, Bubka's potica, or Gammie's famous 7-Up cake. Your efforts don't have to be perfect, but this simple act pays homage to your loved ones, especially those who are now gone. If you don't have the family recipe that's been handed down, check out our favorite easy Christmas desserts and Christmas candy to find one that's similar to what you remember.

21

Mail holiday cards.

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Even in the age of social media and instant updates, real honest-to-goodness cards are a way to reconnect with family and friends far and near. "It's still an American custom that's special," says Lizzie Post, cohost of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. "It's the one time a year we send and receive good wishes in the mail. Nothing else compares." Just keep them factual and upbeat (without bragging).

22

Use natural and "found" materials to decorate.

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Grandma used what she had to deck the halls. "Look around your yard and house to find natural elements to dress up your home," says Rakes. "Many natural items are prettier anyhow, and they're fresh and free." Collect pine cones and make a wreath, or arrange in glass apothecary jars. Cut greenery and tuck into simple white pitchers. String cranberries and popcorn for the tree. Dress up branches with glitter paint, then place in vases or use as Christmas mantel decorations.

23

Spend time together.

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"That's what we'll remember years from now, not what you gave or received as gifts," says Rakes. Bake cookies with your kids. Plan night of family Christmas games. Attend services at a house of worship. Go caroling. Drive around to look at Christmas lights. Make ornaments. The point is to interact and be present in the moment with your family and friends, not with your smartphone or laptop. And if it's part of your tradition, attend religious services together on Christmas eve or throughout the season.

24

Make gifts.

Jamie Grill PhotographyGetty Images

Our grandparents used their talents to create gifts. "But you don't have to be crafty," says Rakes. "Homemade goodies such as cookies and breads are always welcome, but you can make plenty of other easy gifts." Layer your favorite cookie recipe ingredients in a Mason jar, and attach baking instructions. Package homemade seasoning chili or taco mixes Download a Christmas printable inspirational quote and frame it. Put together a themed Christmas gift basket such as movie night.

25

Dress up.

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"When you look at old photos of our parents and grandparents, you see that everyone is dressed nicely at big holiday gatherings," says Post. Sure, you want to be comfy in your PJs on Christmas morning. But kids—and actually, most adults—don't have that many dress-up events to attend these days, especially after the last couple of years of working from home in sweatpants. "Everything is super-casual. But it's okay to make your gathering a dress-up occasion so that it feels special and different," says Post.

26

Write thank you notes.

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Your grandma would tell you that nice manners still matter. Sit down and write a real thank-you note (no texts or emails!) this holiday season, whether you're thanking someone for a lovely party or a thoughtful gift. "They're always appropriate and in style," says Post. "And handwritten reigns supreme."

27

Share memories.

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Part of the joy of the season is reminiscing about what makes your family unique. Ask your parents and grandparents about their holiday customs growing up or what they received as gifts when they were kids. Celebrate what makes you family, especially the silly or quirky traditions. "We have a mouse head ornament that has a long history in our family," says Revenko. "Sharing stories, traditions, and values defines your family and is a great gift to each other that doesn't cost a cent. "

28

Give back.

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Our grandparents shared what they had with neighbors when times were tough-- and the last two years should remind us how important it is to think about what matters to you and your family and share what you can to reflect your beliefs. Your gifts don't necessarily have to be monetary. Help an elderly neighbor put up her tree or just spend an afternoon sipping tea with her. Send care packages to military members who are deployed away from home. Donate old towels and blankets to a pet shelter or local rescue organization. Just do something. It will mean so much to those who aren't as fortunate. And that, after all, is the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas traditions - Portal Culture of St. Petersburg

Christmas is a public holiday in more than 100 countries around the world. On the eve of one of the main Christian holidays, we decided to talk about the history and traditions of Orthodox Christmas, and also prepared some ideas where to go with the family.

Christmas traditions in Orthodoxy

Christmas in Orthodoxy is the second holiday after Easter, which is established in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. On January 7, Christmas is celebrated in the Russian, Jerusalem, Polish Serbian, Georgian Orthodox churches - this happened after the transition of the chronology from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.


In Russia, the Christmas holiday officially appeared after the baptism of Prince Vladimir at the end of the 10th century, and they began to celebrate it on December 25 according to the Julian calendar. Since 1929, due to the atheistic sentiments of the Soviet government, it was forbidden to celebrate Christmas. So, in the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of September 24, 1929, it was said: "On the day of the new year and on the days of all religious holidays (former special days of rest), work is carried out on a common basis." Since 1935, in the USSR, the celebration of Christmas has merged with the celebration of the New Year. Traditional customs, the Christmas tree and gifts have become associated with the New Year and have lost their original meaning.

In Russia, the celebration of Christmas was established at the state level by the Decree of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR in 1990, after which on January 7 it officially became non-working. Today, the non-working week begins with the celebration of the New Year and continues until the advent of the Nativity of Christ.


Customs of celebrating Christmas in Russia

pravlife.org

Nine months before the appearance of the Savior in the guise of the baby Christ, Archangel Gabriel brought the Good News to the Mother of God that the power of the Almighty would overshadow her and the baby Jesus would be born, who would be born Jesus - son of God.
In a cave near Bethlehem, where shepherds drove cattle during bad weather, the Virgin Mary was born the son of God - Jesus. The shepherds were the first to know about the birth of the Savior “I proclaim to you great joy that will be for all people: for today the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David! And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). But not only the shepherds were waiting for the birth of the Savior - led by a star to Bethlehem, the wise men came from the east, carrying the gifts of the Messiah. The Magi brought baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. A deep meaning is hidden in these gifts - gold was presented as a tribute to the King, frankincense as to God, and myrrh as a person who should die (in those days, the dead were anointed with myrrh).

Marks the beginning of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. And the main thing in this expectation is the observance of a strictly forty-day fast, which lasts from November 28 to January 6. Believers fast to prepare the spirit and body for the Epiphany. January 6 becomes the apogee of Lent, on this day it is not customary to eat food “until the first star”, which indicated the way for the Magi to the Savior. Believers prepare a special dish - sochivo, which is made on the basis of wheat and honey, hence the name "Christmas Eve". Christmas Eve is spent in preparations - people are preparing for Confession and Communion, and the Royal Hours and a special evening service are served in churches, after which an all-night vigil and a solemn festive liturgy follow. At the end of the service, a lighted candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, is brought to the middle of the temple.


The celebration of Epiphany on January 19 completes the Christmas season. From the onset of the Nativity of Christ until Baptism, Christmas time continues, in which, according to Orthodox canons, people offer prayers to the glory of Jesus Christ.

In Russia, the celebration of Christmas traditionally took place with festivities, games, performances of mummers, fortune-telling and caroling. It was believed that on the night of Christmas the gates to a happy family life open, and that is why these days they carried out well-known fortune-telling about the future family life: about the betrothed-mummer, about the future husband and about predictions for an early marriage. The most famous ritual that has come down to us is fortune-telling with a mirror and a candle, “Betrothed-disguised, come to me dressed up.” You can also find references to fortune-telling on a log - if an unmarried girl pulled a smooth log out of a firewood shed, then she would have a good husband, and if with knots - a bad one, if the log was thick, then the husband would be rich, and thin - poor. Sometimes the qualities of the future chosen one were determined with the help of a rooster. The girls scattered various objects on the floor and launched a rooster. If he ran to the grain - the husband will be rich, if to the water - to drinkers, to money - he will be an avid player, and if to ashes - to smokers.


An empty table was also a bad omen, so a special ritual kalach was prepared in each hut, which was treated to those who came to carol. The more caroling came to the house, the more successful the year was considered for the family.


Christmas 2022

Christmas services

Even at the end of December, churches are decorated for the holiday with fir trees and coniferous branches. On Christmas Eve, the main service will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, led by Patriarch Kirill. The live broadcast from Moscow will begin on Channel One at 23:00 and will last until 01:15.

About 180 churches will hold divine services in St. Petersburg. The main service will be held at the Kazan Cathedral on January 6 at 23:00, on the morning of January 7 at 7:00 an early liturgy will be held, at 10:00 a late liturgy, and at 18:00 Great Vespers. On Christmas Eve, January 6, the All-Night Vigil will be held at St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, the Novodevichy Convent and other churches in the city. Christmas services will continue on January 7 - the faithful are expected to attend the Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers.

Christmas concerts. People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Burov and pianist Yegor Prokopiev.

And on January 7, on the large and small stages of the Philharmonic, the audience will be able to enjoy the masterpieces of Russian sacred music, hear carols and Russian folk songs in the programs "Celebration at Christmas" and "Popular New Year's and Christmas Songs". The poster can be found on the Philharmonic website.

vk.com/philharmoniaspb

On January 7, the traditional festive “Christmas Concert of the Capella Symphony Orchestra” will take place on the stage of the State Academic Chapel. You can buy tickets on the website.

On January 6 and 7, the Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg will perform on the stage of the Catherine's Assembly under the baton of the People's Artist of Russia Sergei Stadler. The audience will hear the Star of Bethlehem celebratory program, the concert program will feature works by Wagner, Strauss, Scriabin, Ravel and Schoenberg.

On December 23 and January 2, the Mikhailovsky Theater will host the program Let it snow! let it snow! Let it snow! within the framework of the Chrismas gala. New Year and Christmas hits performed by the choir and orchestra of the Mikhailovsky Theater will temporarily take listeners to Christmas New York, sunny Jamaica, an Italian jazz club and a ski resort. See the theater website for the program and rules for attending the concert.

On December 17, an unusual Christmas concert “Rakhmaninov. Forte”, where the audience will hear the famous works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Information about tickets and the concert can be found on the website of the Amadeus Concerts project.

And on December 18, on the stage of Petrikirche, the audience will be able to discover organ music in a new way in the program “Organ. In anticipation of Christmas. Detailed information can be found on the website of the Amadeus Concerts project.

December 29 and January 7-9 at the Planetarium No. 1 under the starry dome, works by Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi will be performed in the festive program "Organ in the Planetarium. Christmas". You can buy tickets for the concert on the website of the Amadeus Concerts project.

For connoisseurs of the blues On December 24, the Philharmonic of Jazz Music will host an ATOMIC JAM BAND concert with the program "Christmas Evening of the Blues".

Christmas exhibitions

On the basis of the branch of the library No. 6 of St. Petersburg Central Library Center of the Kalinin District, from December 1 to December 30, a book and illustration exhibition “The Book under the Christmas Tree. New Year and Christmas in the works of Russian poets and writers" . Information about the event and the rules of visiting can be found in the VKontakte group.

Exhibition "Waiting for a Miracle" , which will open the "Christmas in Europe" series, is open to the public at the St. Petersburg Museum of Bread. The exhibition is based on the fairy tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow" by Gianni Rodari and will acquaint all visitors with the Christmas traditions of Italy.

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From December 23, 2021 to January 16, 2022, the Museum of Printing will host an exhibition “The Heart Gives a Message to the Heart. From the history of the Christmas card. The exhibition presents an exposition dedicated to Christmas cards issued in England, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia, Finland, France and the USA. Visitors will be able to rightly appreciate the variety of holiday stories and images depicted on old postcards.

On December 24, 2021, the art exhibition "Christmas in St. Petersburg" will open at the Center for Creative Development and Humanitarian Education "On Vasilevsky". Look for an announcement on the center's website.

From 13 to 30 December in St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution "Central Library of the Kalinin District", a branch of the library No. 12, there will be a book and illustration exhibition "Happy New Year, Merry Christmas - real magic" . Information and visiting rules can be found on VKontakte.

Christmas programs

The Library and Cultural Complex named after A. V. Molchanov will celebrate Christmas on January 6 at 14.00. Theatrical miniatures based on the Christmas story by N. S. Leskov " The fiat ruble" will be shown on the stage, performed by participants in the children's theater studio "Cardboard House". More information can be found on the library website.

The Central Museum of Soil Science named after V. V. Dokuchaev for children from 4 years old and their parents will host the program "Mouse's Christmas" . Young visitors will learn how underground inhabitants (mice, moles, ground squirrels) adapt to wintering in the soil, and then they will make a New Year's card with “paints” from multi-colored soil. Find more information on the museum's website.

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January 6, 2022 in the building of the Library No. 2 named after F. Abramov will host the program "On Christmas everyone is a little magician" . Details will appear closer to the date in the VKontakte community.

December 18 in the Kochneva mansion will host an interesting quest program "Christmas Givings of Kochneva's House" , where young viewers will be able to unravel the mysterious disappearance of the mistress of the house, as well as get acquainted with such musical instruments as the mandolin, organ, drum and trumpet.

Until January 16, 2022, the Russian Ethnographic Museum will host an educational Christmas cycle of excursions, master classes and concerts as part of the "Time of Miracles" program . You can view the poster and purchase tickets on the museum's website.

Christmas contests

From December 6 to December 27, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution "Cultural Center "Troitsky" invites young guests to take part in the creative competition "Christmas on the Threshold". The best works will be presented at the presentation of the exhibition on January 9, 2022. All the details will soon appear in the group of the cultural center VKontakte.

January 5, 2022 on the stage of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution "Cultural and Leisure Center "Moskovsky" will be held the competition program "Russian Christmas" . Information about the program and the order of visiting can be found in the group.

How to spend Christmas properly - Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Of course, the survey could be considered a student joke, if not for the frighteningly small number of respondents who remembered Christ on this great holiday. Firmly believing that this is impossible among our youth, we nevertheless decided to briefly, concisely state what the essence of the Christmas holiday is and how to spend it correctly. Let's get started. Moreover, those who have long fallen under the +18 category can read the text.

1. What do we celebrate on Christmas Day?

Incarnation. That is, the birth of God in the human race. Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Savior.

2. What is the difference between the New Year and Christmas?

Two winter holidays and those standing next to each other on the calendar have completely different meanings. New Year - the beginning of a conditional period of time invented by people, the beginning of a new calendar year. By celebrating this day, we pay tribute to human institutions. This date is not so difficult to shift, which was done on 1918, when Lenin signed the "Decree on the introduction of the Western European calendar in the Russian Republic." Celebrating the Nativity of Christ, we re-experience an event of a completely different significance - the birth of Jesus Christ. The advent of the Savior into our world is a turning point in the history of mankind.

But since the events underlying NG and RH are completely incomparable in significance, then the traditions that are attached to these holidays are also incomparable in their depth. The Soviet tradition of celebrating the New Year can only be attributed to Olivier salad, champagne, the permanent Blue Light and a Christmas tree that migrated here from Christmas. Orthodox Christmas traditions have deep roots and symbolism. About them later, first about the very birth of the Savior.

3. How did the birth of Jesus happen?

We remember that nine months before the birth of Christ, and, therefore, the Nativity of Christ, an event takes place called the "Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos", when the Archangel Gabriel brings the Good News to the Mother of God (hence the "Annunciation") that she will become Mother of God: "Rejoice, Blessed One! The Lord is with you, blessed are you among women. " Mary was embarrassed by these words, but the Angel continues: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found grace with God, You will give birth to a Son and call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the son of the Most High, and His Kingdom will have no end." The name Jesus means "Savior". Mary, bewildered, asks the Angel: "How will it be when I don't know my husband?" And the Angel answers: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, and the one who is born will be called the Son of God." Thus begins the history of our salvation, the history of the coming of God into our world, the history of the Incarnation.

At that time, Judea was conquered by the Roman Empire and entered its eastern provinces. In order to streamline the taxation system, the autocratic emperor of the Roman Empire Octavian Augustus (63 BC - 14 AD) decides to conduct a census of his eastern provinces. Moreover, the Jews must correspond according to their place of origin. Both Elder Joseph, who became engaged to Mary and took care of her, and the Virgin Mary herself, were descendants of the famous biblical king David (died about 970 BC), who came from Bethlehem. The descendants of King David were deprived of the throne in the VI century BC. e. and for a long time already lived in the same way as the rest of the Jews, not standing out among them in any way. However, the prophets long before the birth of Christ announced that the Savior, the Messiah would come from the lineage of David, and that is why we focus on such an important fact. So, since the Virgin Mary and Joseph come from the family of King David, and their distant ancestor was a native of Bethlehem, then the expectant Mary, along with Joseph, had to make a long journey from the Galilean city of Nazareth, where they live, to Bethlehem - a city for them stranger. Census, how can one disobey the emperor's decree?

Due to the influx of people, there is no place for the Holy Family in the hotels of Bethlehem, and they stop outside the city, in a cave - here the shepherds drive their cattle in bad weather. In this cave at the Virgin Mary at night the Baby is born - the Son of God, Christ the Savior of the world. Mary swaddles her Son and puts it in a manger - where they usually put fodder for livestock. And the animals warm the Divine Infant with their breath. As it is sung on these holidays in temples, mangers have become "a receptacle for the incapable God." On the one hand, incomprehensible in His Majesty God, but, at the same time, a helpless Infant. In this inseparable unity of divine nature with human nature lies the mystery of the incarnation. A mystery that we, people, are not given to know, but which we can feel - with our hearts.

4. How did the world know about the birth of the Savior, how did the world perceive it?

Bethlehem shepherds are the first to know about the birth of the Savior. That night they are pasturing their flocks in the field, when suddenly an Angel of God appears before them: “Do not be afraid!” he says, “I proclaim to you great joy, which will be not only for you, but for all people: now I was born in the city David's (that is, in Bethlehem) Savior, here is a sign for you: you will find the Infant in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

But the shepherds were not the only ones who bowed to the Divine Infant. The Mother of God and Joseph, together with the Infant Jesus, were still in Bethlehem, when the wise men and astrologers came to Jerusalem from the far east. They, too, have been waiting for a long time for the birth of the One Who will become the Messiah - the Savior. In Jerusalem, outlandishly dressed aliens from the east begin to ask: "Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw His star rise, and we came to worship Him!" Hearing this, the hypochondriac and cruel king of Judea Herod "was agitated, and with him all Jerusalem." From the connoisseurs of Holy Scripture, the frightened Herod learns that the prophets foreshadowed the birth of the King of the Jews, the Savior, in the line of David, in the city of Bethlehem. Suspicious Herod does not even think that the kingdom of the newborn Lord of Israel will be "not of this world," that it is not the kingdom of the earth, but the Kingdom of Heaven. It's all too complicated for the cruel impostor Herod. And Herod is indeed a monster - he ordered the execution of his wife and children only on suspicion that they intend to deprive him of power.

So, having heard that a possible competitor has already been born, Herod calls to himself the unsuspecting magi, finds out from them the time of the birth of the Messiah and sends them to Bethlehem with an insidious mission: "Go, scout carefully about the Baby, and when you find it, let me know so that I can go and worship Him."

The Magi are on their way to Bethlehem and a new star is showing them the way.

"Christmas". Photo: Icon-painting workshop of the Holy Trinity Church in Kursk

So, led by a star, the magi go to Bethlehem. And the star stopped over the place where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy, and entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, worshiped Him; and, opening their treasures, brought Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And, having received a revelation in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed by another way to their country. And when they departed, behold (behold), the Angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph and says: Arise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod wants to seek the Child in order to destroy Him…”

Thus, the life of Christ begins with homelessness and wanderings.

When the Savior was born, people reacted differently to this event. Some, like magicians, with a pure heart, went to meet Him in order to rejoice. Others, like Herod, decided to destroy Him. There were also indifferent people who did not let the Mother of God into their house to spend the night. They didn't care, they were incapable of mercy, compassion. With the tacit consent of such people, evil is done. And those, and others, and third are among us. And each of us daily faces a choice: with whom is he? Where is he? With Christ, or for Herod? Or maybe he just took refuge in his cozy little world and would not let someone else's misfortune and pain in there, and, therefore, he would not let the Lord in either.

5. Traditions of celebrating the Nativity of Christ

Firstly, the feast of the Nativity itself begins with expectation. And the main thing in this expectation is the fast, which lasts from November 28 to January 6. Fasting prepares the spirit and body for the perception of the very event of the Nativity of Christ, for participation in it. Just as the Magi went to Bethlehem and expected to see the born Christ, prepared for this meeting, brought him gifts, so we, while fasting, make a spiritual path and bring our spiritual gifts to the Lord. This is the anticipation of the holiday. And there is also the approach of the holiday. The approximation lies in the fact that on the eve of January 6, Christmas Eve, a day of very strict fasting, is being celebrated, when juicy is prepared - a dish of wheat and honey. On this day, they do not eat "until the first star" in memory of the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the Magi the way to the birthplace of the Savior. Christmas Eve is in preparation - people are preparing for Confession and Communion, in order to take communion on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, they are preparing a Christmas meal.

Secondly, realizing how important the outer side of events is for us people, the Church prepares us for the holiday and special Christmas traditions. An evergreen Christmas tree is placed in the houses - a symbol of eternal life, which Christ gave us.

The star that crowns our Christmas trees reminds us of the Bethlehem star that lit up when Jesus was born, the star that led the Magi to the Divine Infant, showed them the way.

On Christmas Eve it is customary to put a burning candle on the windows. There is also deep meaning. A candle is a symbol of the human soul that burns before God. It burns and lights the way for others. A lit candle in the window before Christmas shows that Christ is expected in this house. Because the meaning of our celebration is the birth of Christ in our heart.

And, finally, when we give presents for Christmas, we become like the magi - the wise men of the East, who brought their gifts to the Divine Infant: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts of the Magi were also deeply symbolic: gold, as for the King, frankincense, as for God, and myrrh, fragrant ointment used at burial, as for a mortal man.

6. What is the meaning of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ?

The mystery of the Incarnation is inaccessible to the human mind. But this greatest, Divine mystery of the incarnation is connected with two other mysteries close to the heart of everyone: the secret of birth and the secret of love.

Everyone knows the joy that we experience when a person is born, each of us, at least once, came into contact with the secret of love. That is why the events of the Nativity of Christ, for all their incomprehensibility, are close to everyone's heart, and the series of events of this holiday is understandable even to the smallest children. The Savior is born in the human race, this is not some abstract God sent to us, who has no kinship and connection with people. God takes human flesh. He, born of the Holy Spirit, accepts our entire psychophysical world. Because in order to save a person, it was necessary to know him to the end, it was necessary to go through the entire earthly path of a person - from birth, through suffering, to death. And God goes this way, and does it out of love for us.

7. Why is the Christmas holiday needed?

God comes into our world in the silence of the Bethlehem night, and the very fact of His birth is already our approach to God, because, according to Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh: "Every person, already by the fact that he is a person, is attached to the mystery of Christ" . From now on, man is not alone in this world. “Christ became Man so that all of us, all without a trace, including those who have lost all faith in themselves, know that God believes in us, believes in us in our fall, believes in us when we ourselves have lost faith in each other. friend and in himself, he believes in such a way that he is not afraid to become one of us." “God became Man so that man could become God,” this is how the holy martyr of the 2nd century, Irenaeus of Lyon, formulated the great mystery of the Incarnation.

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