Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays and a national holiday in more than 100 countries worldwide. It is set in honor of Jesus Christ's birth. In most countries of Christendom (Catholic, Protestant, and some Orthodox churches), people celebrate Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the new Gregorian calendar.

The Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Despite some similarities in celebration of Christmas in Europe and America, the peculiarities of different cultures add some unique colors to it.

In Ukraine, the Christmas celebrations begin with the Holy Supper on January 6. It is common practice for the family to gather at the table after the appearance of the first star in the sky, which symbolizes the star of Bethlehem announcing the Birth of Jesus.

There have to be twelve dishes on the table ­– in honor of the twelve apostles. The obligatory dishes are kutia, which is a wheat or rice mixed with poppy seeds, raisins, honey and nuts, and uzvar – a beverage brewed from dried fruits. On January 7, according to customs, people visit only relatives.

In some regions of Ukraine, there is a tradition of decorating the table with Didukh (sheaf of wheat or oats of a special form). It symbolizes prosperity in the New Year. As in the old days, for Christmas, many people in the village cover their floor with fresh hay, and the table with straw, on which then lay a tablecloth and put a treat. All this reminds us that Jesus Christ was not born in the royal palace, but in the sheep barn and was laid in a manger on straw.

Since the evening of January 6, you can see carolers (Koledari) going everywhere with the "Star of Bethlehem". It is a big star of gilded paper attached to a stick, decorated with a flashlight, paper garlands, and sometimes with the icon of the Nativity, the Savior or the Mother of God.

In the morning of January 7, the whole family or a few its representatives goes to church on feast’s prayers. Returning from church, people joyfully greet each other: "Christ is born!" and "Praise him!"

ancient custom of Christmas in Ukraine is walking with a vertep. Vertep is a small box showing the cave where, according to tradition, Christ was born. This box is a miniature puppet theater, in which craftsmen play the whole plays on the theme of Christmas.

Although different nations have their peculiarities of the traditions of Christmas celebration, almost all of them have some common symbols nowadays. Among them are the tradition of giving Christmas gifts, a mandatory character – Santa Claus (Father Christmas with us), and a Christmas tree, decorated with toys and garlands. Almost everywhere during Christmas holidays people hang wreaths, bells, and light Christmas candles. In this holiday all the people praise Christ, greet each other with "Christ is born!", and the families and friends send Christmas cards.