Christmas in Russia: Rozdestvo on January 7

In Russia, Christmas is called Rozhdestvo (Рождество) and is celebrated on January 7.

The Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar (13 days behind the Gregorian civil calendar). Thus, December 25 (Julian) = January 7 (Gregorian).

Key Traditions

• 40-day Nativity Fast (Nov 28 – Jan 6) – vegan/vegetarian diet.
• Sochivo (Сочиво) – Christmas Eve porridge (wheat/rice, honey, poppy seeds, dried fruit) eaten after first star appears.
• All-night Vigil – Midnight Divine Liturgy; churches packed.
• Ded Moroz (Дед Мороз) & Snegurochka (Снегурочка) – Grandfather Frost & Snow Maiden bring gifts on New Year's Eve (main gift holiday).
• Koliada (Коляда) – Caroling, fortune-telling, folk rituals (blend of Christian and pre-Christian).

New Year (Jan 1) is the larger secular celebration; Christmas is primarily religious.