Christmas Eve has arrived: the true story of a special holiday on January 6th

Christmas Eve is a special day in the Orthodox Christian calendar, preceding the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. It carries a deep spiritual meaning of preparation and expectation of the most important event — the birth of Jesus Christ. The whole atmosphere of Christmas Eve is filled with prayers, fasting and numerous traditions that have developed over the centuries. Read more about the deep meaning of this holiday in the Izvestia article.

Christmas Eve: the story of an important celebration

The history of Christmas Eve goes back to the early centuries of Christianity. Before the separation of Christmas and Epiphany, due to calendar reforms and church traditions, celebrations were celebrated jointly on January 6 according to the Julian calendar.

Later, the holidays were separated. Christmas Eve became the final day of the 40-day fast, which symbolizes inner purification and preparation for Christmas — this is a great historical event, which is celebrated in honor of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ from the Most Pure Virgin Mary. The holiday symbolizes the incarnation of God on earth, giving people hope for salvation and the renewal of spiritual values.

According to the canons of the Orthodox Church, Great Hours, evening services with the reading of Holy Scripture and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great are held in churches on Christmas Eve. The main symbol of the holiday is the consecration of water, a sacrament that strengthens faith and bestows grace.

When to celebrate Christmas Eve in 2026

In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on January 6, which, according to the new style, coincides with the evening before Christmas, celebrated on January 7. The date has remained unchanged for centuries and is fixed in church traditions and calendars.

Ancient traditions of celebrating Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the last day of strict fasting before the feast of the Nativity of Christ, when believers abstain from food until the first star appears in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of the Savior.

The evening meal traditionally begins with kutia, a dish made from wheat, honey, nuts and dried fruits, symbolizing the spiritual unity of the family, the connection with the ancestors and the hope for fertility and well—being. This dish is associated with a funeral ceremony, because the grain symbolizes resurrection and new life, and the sweetness reflects joy and grace. During the meal, a special ritual was always observed: a bundle of hay was placed under the white tablecloth — a reminder of the manger where the Savior was born.

What not to do on St. Basil's Day on January 14: important church prohibitions

The Church calls for the abandonment of fortune-telling and superstition on the saint's memorial day.

In ancient customs, inviting the souls of deceased relatives to the festive table played an important role. To do this, separate dishes or dishes were placed on the table. In this way, our relatives showed respect for the deceased. Prayers and the reading of the Holy Scriptures, night services with the singing of Christmas troparia, as well as the consecration of water, which, according to legend, has a special power and serves as a talisman for the coming year, were an integral part of the holiday.

In ancient times, on this evening, glorifiers went with spiritual hymns announcing the birth of Christ. There was also a custom of caroling in Russia: children and young people went from house to house with songs and congratulations, which symbolized the spread of light and goodness. In addition, families often staged nativity scenes — theatrical performances featuring figures of the Holy Family, shepherds and magi, who told the biblical story of the birth of Christ.

On this day, there were strict prohibitions aimed at preserving the sanctity of the moment and spiritual purity. It was forbidden to do hard work, swear, quarrel and show anger, as well as do housework. Violating these rules was considered capable of attracting misfortune and illness. The Church also strictly forbade fortune-telling, divination, and any magical rites that contradicted the spiritual principles of Christianity.