In the Russian Orthodox Church, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated on 25 December in the Julian calendar used by the church, which falls on 7 January in the common Gregorian calendar.
In Russia, Christmas is more of a religious holiday than a secular one.
On the Christmas eve, at midnight, an all-night service begins in all churches.
During the service, people thank God for everything they have, they remember the beloved, living and departed.
On January 7, people greet each other with "Christ is born!" They invite friends and relatives to their homes.
During the Christmas holidays, the main squares in cities and towns are full of people who dance, sing songs, play games, ride troikas, skate and eat a lot. Russians try to spend these days cheerfully. That's how you make the whole year a happy one.
