december 25 – Christmas: traditions, signs and prohibitions
25 December 2025 02:26
on December 25, 2025, Christians will celebrate Christmas, one of the most important religious and public holidays in more than 100 countries. "Komersant Ukrainian" has prepared a story about the traditions of the holiday and what you shouldn’t do today.
History of the holiday
The holiday is dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the year of Jesus’ birth, by order of Emperor Augustus, a census was conducted in the Roman Empire, of which Judea was a part. Therefore, all the inhabitants of Judea were ordered to come to the city of their birth. Joseph and the Virgin Mary went to Bethlehem.
When the time for childbirth came, Mary gave birth to her son Jesus in a cave where cattle were sheltered from the weather. At the moment of Jesus’ birth, the Star of Bethlehem lit up in the sky, showing the wise men the way to the cave where the Virgin Mary gave birth to the baby. They brought gifts to the newborn and recognized him as the King of God.
The first mention of the celebration of Christmas by Western Christians on December 25 dates back to the fourth century.
Traditions of the holiday
On Christmas Day, three Christmas services are held in churches in honor of God the Father, the Mother of God, and the Christian soul. Nativity scenes are decorated in the churches – manger with the Infant Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Joseph, shepherds and pets.
This day is traditionally spent with the family: relatives give each other gifts and send wishes.
It is also customary for the whole family to gather around the festive table and go carolling on this day. In addition, there is a special tradition in Ukraine – theatrical nativity scenes that recreate the birth of Christ.
What to do on Christmas Day
Visit a church on this day and pray, ask for health, favor and help in business. If you can’t go to church, pray at home and light a candle.
At Christmas, it is customary to bake a cake with a coin, the one who gets the coin will be very happy in the New Year, especially in money.
On Christmas Day, you should set the table and invite guests or go to visit relatives and friends yourself.
It is not customary to go empty-handed on Christmas, you need to bring edible gifts, for example, candy, cakes, jam.
On Christmas Day, be sure to light candles – they will attract warmth, comfort and wealth to your home.
Folk signs
Folk signs:
- A snowstorm on Christmas Eve – to early leaves.
- If Christmas is warm, spring is cold.
- Severe cold on the holiday – to a rich harvest.
- Snow on Christmas Day – the year will be successful.
What not to do
On Christmas Day, you should not wear old clothes.
No one should work, clean or take out the trash on this day.
It is advisable for the family not to quarrel, but to be friendly so that there are no misunderstandings throughout the year.
On Christmas Day, you should never guess.
Do not avoid the needy and poor on this day, but give them alms, because no one can be restricted from the joy of the holiday.
