Orthodox Christmas Day is one of the most significant holidays in North Macedonia. Celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian Calendar rather than the commonly used Gregorian Calendar, it is a time when families gather to attend church, observe traditional customs, and share special meals. Most businesses and institutions in North Macedonia are closed on this day as it is a national public holiday.
The celebrations of Orthodox Christmas Day in North Macedonia often stretch over several days, starting from January 5th, known as 'Kolede', when children go door-to-door singing traditional Christmas carols in exchange for nuts, fruits, and sweets. This practice is believed to bring happiness, luck, and prosperity to households. On Christmas Eve, families gather to enjoy a fasting meal that symbolizes the 40 days of fasting observed by the Virgin Mary.
On the actual day of Orthodox Christmas, North Macedonians attend church services and participate in the Divine Liturgy. The city squares are lit up with Christmas decorations and nativity scenes are set up in churches. Back at home, a special Christmas loaf, known as 'Christmas pogacha', is broken among family members symbolizing unity and love. The holiday is filled with joy, reverence, and traditions that often last until 'Vodici', the Orthodox Epiphany, on January 19th.