What is strictly forbidden to do on Christmas Day

Christmas is a great Orthodox holiday that symbolizes the birth of the savior and spiritual renewal for believers. In order to celebrate this bright day with dignity and preserve harmony in the soul and home, it is important to know not only the traditions, but also what is strictly forbidden to do on Christmas Day. Read more about this in the Izvestia article.

Christmas: the history of the holiday

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ from the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its origin is connected with the early Christian tradition, when there was still no separate holiday of Christmas, and the whole theme of the coming of the Savior was united in the celebration of the Epiphany. In the fourth century, Christmas was officially separated from Epiphany, and the holiday began to be celebrated separately.

The date of the celebration of Christmas in the Western Christian tradition since 350, by decree of Pope Julius I, became December 25. Subsequently, this day spread throughout Western Europe. Eastern churches traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian calendar, which now corresponds to December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.

In Russia, the traditions of celebrating Christmas appeared with the adoption of Christianity at the end of the 10th century. The "Tale of Bygone Years" describes historical events related to the choice of the Orthodox faith by Prince Vladimir. Since those times, the holiday has combined spiritual significance and folk rituals, which were often woven into the rituals and calendar cycle of ancient Slavic cults.

A certain complex of worship services and rituals was formed for the holiday: fasting before Christmas, festive liturgies, the opening of the gospel, nativity scenes depicting the birth of Christ, as well as the symbolism of lamps and stars that remind of the Star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of the Savior.

When is Christmas celebrated in 2026

In 2026, Orthodox Christians in Russia and several other countries celebrate Christmas on January 7. This day is invariably listed in the church calendar as the date of the celebration of the Savior's birth and is considered one of the most important church celebrations after Easter.

Orthodox Christmas falls on a Tuesday, and the festive service begins on the night of January 6-7, immediately after the end of Christmas Eve. The church chooses this date according to the Julian calendar (old style).

In Russia, January 7 is included in the winter New Year holidays and is officially a non-working holiday. Catholic, Lutheran and many Protestant communities in Russia celebrate this day according to the old tradition on December 25, while Orthodox churches adhere to January 7, keeping in touch with ancient history and liturgical tradition.

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What not to do on Christmas Day

It is believed that swearing, swearing and quarreling are forbidden on Christmas Day. Conflicts and evil words can attract misfortune for the whole year, so you need to spend the day in peace and joy. It is not allowed to offend loved ones and provoke disputes, especially on a spiritual holiday.

Any heavy household chores are prohibited, including mopping, washing and cleaning. It was believed that in this way it was possible to "sweep out" happiness and well-being from home. It is better to devote time to prayer, rest and spiritual unity with family.

Fortune-telling and any attempts to predict the future on Christmas night are strongly discouraged and considered sinful. This is a day of true faith and hope, not superstition and mysticism.

Noisy parties and carefree entertainment are not recommended. The holiday requires inner concentration and gratitude, so feasts should be moderate in quantity and mood. It is also not customary to wear old, dirty or mourning clothes on Christmas Day. It is better to choose bright and clean outfits that symbolize the joy and light of the holiday.

Visits to cemeteries and commemorations of the dead on Christmas Day are also not recommended — another day is reserved for this. At Christmas, believers focus on life and spiritual rebirth.