Christmas Day

Christmas Day in North Macedonia is celebrated on **January 7th**, following the **Julian calendar** observed by the **Macedonian Orthodox Church**. This day is a significant religious and cultural holiday, marked by family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs. On Christmas Eve, known as **Badnik**, families prepare a special dinner that includes dishes like **sarma** (stuffed cabbage rolls), **ribnik** (baked fish), and **pita** (pastry). A central tradition is the **Badnik log**, a piece of oak wood brought into the home and burned to symbolize warmth, prosperity, and the light of Christ. On Christmas Day, people attend church services, exchange greetings, and visit relatives. Traditional songs and carols, such as **"Kolede"**, are sung by children who go door-to-door spreading festive cheer. The holiday is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity, deeply rooted in the country's Orthodox Christian heritage.