Christmas Day is a significant holiday celebrated in Georgia, a small country located in the intersection of Europe and Asia. The predominantly Orthodox Christian population celebrates Christmas on January 7, following the old Julian calendar. This day is considered sacred, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is enveloped with a wealth of traditions and customs that reflect the deep-rooted faith and unique culture of the Georgian people.
The festivities of Christmas in Georgia begin with a fast that lasts for 40 days, ending on Christmas Eve. The evening is called 'qsovlebi', a time when families come together to celebrate. A special service is held in churches and concludes with a 'Alilo', a religious procession on the streets, where children and volunteers march distributing sweets and gifts to the needy. They sing Alilo, a unique Georgian Christmas song that has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
The traditional Christmas meal in Georgia is of great significance. The most common dishes served are 'gozinaki' – a dessert made from honey and walnuts, 'satsivi' – a thick paste made from walnuts and served with turkey or chicken, and 'churchkhela' – a traditional Georgian candy variety. Family members gather around the 'supra', a traditional Georgian feast, that embodies the spirit of kinship and community. Overall, Christmas in Georgia manifests as a unique fusion of faith, age-old traditions, and vibrant community engagement.