Orthodox Christmas Day, also known as the Nativity, is celebrated by the Georgian Orthodox Church on January 7th each year. Unlike many other countries that follow the Gregorian calendar, Georgia abides by the Julian calendar for their church holidays. Thus, the celebration of Christmas takes place nearly two weeks after those observed in western Christianity. This holiday is one of the most significant in the country and features various religious and cultural traditions.
The festivities of Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia often begin on Christmas Eve with Alilo, a mass procession led by the clergymen through the streets. Participants, including children and adults, display religious banners and icons, sing festive hymns, and give donations to those in need. In rural areas, the 'Chichilaki', a Georgian Christmas Tree made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches, is a typical sight during this period. These are often decorated with sweets and fruits as a symbol of the Tree of Life and then burnt on the day of Epiphany.
On Christmas Day, many Georgians attend a special church service that starts early in the morning and often lasts several hours. After the service, families gather together to enjoy a festive meal that usually includes traditional Georgian dishes. Emphasis is also placed on kindness and giving during this time, reflecting the spiritual importance of the day. Even though Orthodox Christmas Day is a religious event, it's also a national holiday in Georgia, so businesses and schools are closed, allowing everyone to join in the festivities.