Christmas Day

**Christmas Day in Moldova** is a cherished and widely celebrated holiday, deeply rooted in the country's Orthodox Christian traditions. Celebrated on **January 7th** according to the Julian calendar, it is a time for family gatherings, religious observances, and festive customs. The holiday begins with a midnight church service, where people attend to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditional Moldovan Christmas dishes, such as **sarmale** (cabbage rolls), **placinte** (pastries), and **cozonac** (sweet bread), are prepared and shared with loved ones. Caroling, known as **"colindatul,"** is a beloved tradition, with groups of children and adults visiting homes to sing carols and spread joy in exchange for small gifts or treats. Christmas in Moldova is a time of warmth, reflection, and community, blending religious devotion with cultural heritage. It is a public holiday, allowing families to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season.