Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6th, because the Armenian Apostolic Church recognises it as the day Jesus was baptised. They feast on Christmas Eve and Gaghant Baba, Father Christmas, comes on New Years Eve!
Shnorhavor Surb Tsnund!
Christmas is a huge affair in predominantly Catholic Croatia. Among many rituals and traditions, on December 13, St Lucia Day, Croats take a terracotta pot, and plant wheat seeds inside. By Christmas Day, there should be a sizeable turf, symbolising the new bread for the new year.
Sretan Božić!
Christmas in Cuba was banned between 1969 and 1997, after Cuba declared itself Atheist (plus the holiday was interfering with the sugar harvest!)
These days, a large mass is held in Havana’s Revolution square, with large TV screens streaming the Pope’s address live from Rome. Those who can afford it, decorate their homes.
Feliz Navidad!
In Georgia, they also celebrate Christmas on January 6. New Years Eve is their time to get together with family and do Supra, a massive feast with gift-giving and a New Years tree! Until recently there were 2 calendars in Georgia, so they now celebrate New Years twice, once for each calendar. Any excuse for a party for the Georgians!
გილოცავ შობას
Did you know Santa Claus is Turkish? He is! Noel Baba grew up in Patara, near Fethiye. He felt sorry for some girls in his village whose family couldn’t afford dowry, so in the middle of the night, he placed some gold coins down the chimney for them, and so a tradition was born. He then became bishop of Myra, where the ruins of his church can still be seen.
Mutlu Yillar!
You can also use an party planning app for plan your perfect Christmas.
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