Today Is January 7

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th by most Eastern Orthodox Churches. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The reason for the different date compared to Western Christmas (December 25th) lies in the use of the Julian calendar by many Eastern Orthodox Churches. The Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world.

Celebrations of Orthodox Christmas Day often include elaborate religious services, with Midnight Mass being a particularly significant event. Large family gatherings are common, featuring traditional feasts with dishes like "kutia" (a sweet grain dish) and "usal" (a bean dish). While gift-giving is not as central as in some Western cultures, it is still a part of the celebration.

Christmas-Serbian Ortodox Food.jpg Wikipedia

Coptic Christians also celebrate Christmas on January 7th. This holiday, known as "Leddet," commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ within the Coptic Christian tradition.

A distinctive feature of Coptic Christmas is a strict 43-day fast observed by Coptic Christians leading up to the holiday. This period of fasting culminates in a large and elaborate "Nisime" (fast-breaking meal) shared on Christmas Eve. Religious services are held throughout the night and into the morning of Christmas Day. "Fata," a dish made with bread and cheese, is a popular traditional food enjoyed during Coptic Christmas celebrations.