Celebrating Christmas Beyond the 25th: Christian Communities with Unique Traditions

For many, Christmas is synonymous with the 25th of December. However, not all Christian communities mark the birth of Christ on this date.

Differences in liturgical calendars, cultural traditions, and historical influences have led to variations in the celebration of Christmas. 

Here, we explore some of the communities that observe this sacred holiday on different days and the reasons behind their choices.

Orthodox Christians and the Julian Calendar

One of the most well-known alternative Christmas celebrations occurs on the 7th of January. This date is observed by many Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East. The reason lies in the calendar used by these communities: the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. 

When Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar in 1582 to better align with the solar year, some Christian groups chose to retain the older Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. As a result, the Julian calendar’s 25th of December corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 7th of January.

Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January. For Armenians, this day combines both Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating Christ’s birth and baptism. This tradition reflects early Christian practices, as Christmas was not universally celebrated on the 25th of December until the 4th century.

Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians

In Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Christianity has deep historical roots, Christmas—known as “Genna”—is celebrated on the 7th of January. Following the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s calendar, the day is marked with unique rituals, such as processions, fasting, and traditional games. The vibrant celebrations highlight the region’s rich Christian heritage.

Coptic Christians in Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe Christmas on the 7th of January, adhering to the Julian calendar. The lead-up to Christmas includes a 43-day period of fasting known as the "Holy Nativity Fast," during which believers abstain from animal products. Christmas Eve is marked by a special liturgy, followed by feasting and family gatherings.

Unique Local Traditions

In some Christian communities, Christmas is tied to local customs and calendars. For instance:

Syriac Christians in India: The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates Christmas on 25th December but incorporates unique rituals influenced by Indian culture.

Old Believers in Russia: This sect, which split from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, also adheres to the Julian calendar, observing Christmas on 7th January.

Why the Differences Matter

These varied Christmas dates reflect the diversity and richness of global Christianity. They remind us that while the date may differ, the essence of the celebration—honouring the birth of Christ—remains universal. Understanding and respecting these differences can foster greater appreciation for the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Christian faith.

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth reflecting on how these traditions enrich our collective understanding of Christmas. Whether on the 25th of December, the 7th of January, or the 6th of January, the message of peace, love, and hope transcends time and calendars.

Celebrating the Continuing Success of the "That's Christmas" Blog

As the festive season draws nearer, everyone begins to search for the perfect gifts, delicious treats, and unique experiences to make Christmas truly special. 

In this whirlwind of preparation, one blog has consistently stood out, guiding its readers through the joys of Christmas shopping and festive indulgence: That’s Christmas.

A Beacon of Festive Cheer

Since its inception, That’s Christmas has carved out a niche for itself as the go-to source for all things Christmas. With an unwavering focus on quality content, the blog has become a trusted companion for those looking to stay ahead of the latest Christmas trends. 

Whether it’s discovering the newest and most unique Christmas gifts or savouring the best festive foods and drinks, That’s Christmas ensures its readers are well-informed and thoroughly inspired.

A Hub for Christmas Gifting Inspiration

Gift-giving is at the heart of Christmas, and That’s Christmas excels in showcasing a diverse range of gift ideas. From thoughtful presents for loved ones to quirky stocking fillers that bring a smile, the blog curates a selection that caters to all tastes and budgets. 

Each product is carefully reviewed, with the blog’s insightful commentary making it easier for readers to choose the perfect gifts. This attention to detail has not only helped readers make informed choices but has also built a loyal following who trust the blog’s recommendations.

Festive Foods and Drinks: A Culinary Delight

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and That’s Christmas doesn’t disappoint when it comes to festive foods and drinks. The blog consistently highlights the latest culinary delights that make Christmas feasts unforgettable. From traditional favourites with a modern twist to new and exciting flavours, That’s Christmas covers it all. The blog’s coverage of festive beverages—be they cosy hot chocolates, celebratory wines, or inventive cocktails—ensures that readers have everything they need to create a memorable Christmas dining experience.

Engaging Content that Resonates

The success of That’s Christmas can also be attributed to its engaging and reader-friendly content. The blog is written with a warmth and enthusiasm that resonates with its audience. The posts are not just informative but also capture the magic of the season, making readers feel part of the festive celebration. This connection is what sets That’s Christmas apart, making it more than just a source of information—it's a community of Christmas enthusiasts.

Looking Forward to Another Successful Season

As we approach another festive season, That’s Christmas continues to shine brightly. Its commitment to bringing the latest Christmas news, along with its expert curation of gifts and festive treats, ensures it remains a favourite among its readers. The blog's growth and continued success are a testament to its relevance and the high-quality content it consistently delivers.

In a world where the festive season can sometimes feel overwhelming, That’s Christmas remains a comforting guide, helping its readers to navigate Christmas with joy, ease, and a touch of magic. Here’s to another season of festive cheer, and to That’s Christmas—the blog that truly embodies the spirit of the season.

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/

Unwrap the Magic of Winter at Butser's Alternative Christmas Event: ‘Midwinter's Magical Quest’

We at That's Christmas were wondering what the Butser Ancient Farm were doing for the Christmas period... and now we know!

Families can join them for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories.

Butser Ancient Farm in the South Downs is opening to the public this Winter and inviting families to embark on an enchanting festive adventure to escape commercial Christmas, honour nature and bring ancient traditions to life in a very special way.

As an alternative to the Father Christmas experience, Midwinter’s Magical Quest honours the balance of the feminine and masculine energies as the season turns. The majestic Deer Queen and jolly Holly King are back in Butser’s ancient dwellings and need your help to complete their quest and help celebrate the turning of the year.

The Holly King will greet all questers in their Saxon House, which is beautifully recreated from foundations excavated close to the neighbouring village of Chalton. This Winter it will be transformed into the Holly King’s Evergreen Hall, where visitors can make evergreen crowns and decorations to put a Spring in their step ready for the adventure. 

The Holly King is the personification of Winter in folklore and his power peaks in Midwinter before he hands the crown over to his brother The Oak King of Summer. The everlasting cycle of the Oak and Holly brothers reflects the seasonal cycles of solar light and dark, renewal and growth.

As you follow the trail of folklore and lost traditions, you’ll come to Little Woodbury, their great Iron Age roundhouse. 

The roundhouse will become the Realm of Winter Wishes where families who are visiting can cast their hopes and dreams into the wishing tree and learn the ancient craft of corn dolly making to find a hidden message for the Deer Queen.

Once questers have pieced together the magic throughout the trail, they will find the Deer Queen’s Grotto in Butser’s reconstructed Neolithic Horton House, which originally stood around 3800-3600 BC. Visitors will be able to share the knowledge they have collected to give Mother Deer what she needs to make the journey to return the Sun to the land safely on the Winter Solstice.

The Deer Queen is an important part of Butser’s event, bringing a female presence to this Wintery time of year. The character has been inspired by an ancient folktale from Northern Europe that tells of the brave Mother Deer who must journey South to bring the sun goddess back to warm the lands again. It has been said that this ancient story is the origin of Rudolph. Unlike other deer, both female and male reindeers have antlers.

The difference is, after the Autumn rutting season the males lose their antlers while the females keep theirs to protect their precious growing fawns. Throughout the years and even today the deer and her antlers are drawn as the tree of life, carrying everything from small animals to celestial bodies within them. So, when you see antlered reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh in Midwinter you can be sure that Rudolph and her gang are unmistakably girls!

They are aware that ancient sites in Britain have clear evidence of celebration at this time of year, with sites like Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge aligned with Winter sun. They also have evidence that ever since the Stone Age people around the world have revered the deer, with her image painted on cave walls, etched in stone and tattooed on skin.

Kristin Devey, Events Coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm, shared her excitement about the upcoming event: “We are really thrilled to open the farm to the public once again this winter, offering a chance for more people to experience the wonder of Butser during this special time of year. 

Families can join us for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories. Whether you're celebrating Solstice, Yule, or simply seeking a unique family Christmas day out, 'Midwinter's Magical Quest' offers an inclusive and non-denominational celebration that appeals to all. We invite local families to join us for a memorable and magical experience that honours the wonders of the season and its ancient traditions.”

Event Details and Ticket Information

The Midwinter's Magical Quest trail runs from 10am to 3:30pm on Saturday December 2nd, Sunday December 3rd, Saturday December 9th, and Sunday December 10th, 2023. Butser Ancient Farm also features a full schedule of festive events, including Tales of Winter Magic, Festive Fireside Storytelling, and a Winter Solstice Celtic Celebration complete with drumming, poetry, and prose.

Tickets for Midwinter's Magical Quest are available on the Butser Ancient Farm website at https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/christmas-yule-winter-events.

Butser Ancient Farm is a living history museum nestled in the picturesque Hampshire countryside. The farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events.

Despite its humble beginnings as a research site 50 years ago, Butser Ancient Farm has become one of the South East’s top visitor attractions welcoming visitors throughout the year including some 35,000 schoolchildren who learn about the lives of our ancient ancestors from the Stone Age through to the Anglo-Saxon periods. As a not-for-profit, independently run community interest company (CIC) they rely on the support of many organisations and individuals, as well as their own fundraising events, to make their research and education work possible. More about the farm can be found at www.butserancientfarm.co.uk