Catholic Christmas in 2025: differences from Orthodox

Catholic Christmas is one of the main Christian holidays, which falls annually on December 25th. The difference from the Orthodox celebration is connected with the liturgical traditions. In different countries, the holiday is accompanied by unique customs, from Christmas services to family feasts and gift exchanges. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Catholic Christmas and when it will be celebrated in 2025

Catholic Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar in 2025, as always, falls on December 25th. In countries where most Christians adhere to the Western tradition — Roman Catholic, Protestant, or updated Orthodox (using the new calendar) ‑ this day is considered the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Historically, the date of December 25 was chosen in the III–IV centuries. Ancient peoples held festivals symbolizing the return of light after a long winter. The new Christian Church established this day as the birthday of Christ in order to replace pagan rituals and give them a new, Christian meaning.

In 2025, for most Catholics, Protestants, and those Christians who have switched to the Gregorian calendar, Christmas is still celebrated on December 25 - with divine services, family celebrations, Christmas services, and late—night festive meals.

Why do the dates of Christmas differ in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions?

The main reason for the date discrepancy is the different calendars used in the Western and Eastern Christian traditions. The Western churches adopted the calendar reform of 1582, which resulted in the Gregorian calendar, more precisely synchronized with the solar year.

At the same time, many Eastern Orthodox churches, in particular the Russian Orthodox Church, have retained the use of the old calendar for liturgical holidays.

The difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars is 13 days, so December 25th falls on January 7th according to the Julian calendar.

It is worth noting that some Orthodox churches have switched to the so—called New Julian calendar, synchronized with the Gregorian calendar. In such places, Christmas coincides with December 25.

The main liturgical differences

For Catholics, December 25 begins with Christmas Eve Mass — evening service on the night of the 25th or morning service on the day itself. In different countries, depending on traditions, services may be held in different languages and with different liturgical rites, but the holiday is united by a solemn mass, the reading of the Gospel, the singing of hymns, Christmas carols and the blessing of the Christmas manger.

The Orthodox celebration on January 7 begins with a night vigil or Divine Service on the eve of January 6. Before that, the Christmas fast and spiritual preparation. After the service, there will be a festive meal, special prayers and family customs.

Orthodox worship also often combines liturgical rigor and liturgical symbolism, including ancient hymns, singing of psalms, short or full communion, and then a festive meal according to church traditions.

In general, Catholic Christmas is a mass, a festive service, often with a shorter ritual cycle; Orthodox Christmas is night services, strict fasting before the holiday, long liturgies and communion.

The plot for the Christmas fast: what date is in 2025, how to spend a day for a believer

Customs and traditions of Catholics and Orthodox

For many Catholics, December 25 is a holiday with a Christmas tree, gifts, a Christmas dinner, a festive evening meal, and home rest. In Europe, North America, and Latin America, Christmas markets, festive street decorations, and numerous family and community traditions are traditional: from Christmas salads to home decoration, gift exchange, charity, and social events.

In the Orthodox tradition, fasting is observed on the eve of Christmas — the 40‑day Peter's fast or simply the Christmas Fast (depending on the denomination). On the eve of the holiday, houses are often decorated with a Christmas tree, but the main attention is paid to temple services. After the service, there will be a festive meal, family gatherings, rituals, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

In Russian traditions, there are kutia, festive dishes, sometimes caroling together, songs and congratulations.

In countries where Orthodoxy celebrates Christmas on January 7, this date is considered a family holiday, a time of spiritual unity, prayers and family rituals, and not so much commercial activity. According to believers, this tradition preserves the spiritual significance of the holiday, separating it from mass culture and consumer hype.

As noted in different countries

In most Western countries — Italy, Spain, America, Germany, Poland — December 25 is considered a public holiday. On Christmas Day, Masses are held, Christmas carols are played, the streets are decorated, shops are open late into the night, families meet, give gifts, arrange festive dinners. Even many secular residents take part — they decorate Christmas trees, give gifts, and arrange family celebrations.

In Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and other Orthodox countries, some churches have already switched to the new calendar and celebrate Christmas on December 25, combining Orthodox rituals with familiar Western traditions — a festive tree, gifts, and Christmas dinner.

In Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Ethiopia and other countries where Orthodox churches continue to use the Julian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Here, the holiday retains a more spiritual, ecclesiastical character: believers go to church for service, observe traditions, and abandon excessive commercial hype.

At the same time, in countries with a strong multicultural and interfaith composition, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Baltic States, both dates can be found: December 25 for Catholics and Protestants, and January 7 for Orthodox immigrants. Many families celebrate twice, combining traditions and strengthening cultural ties.