Orthodox Christmas, January 7

Many of the Orthodox Christian faiths still use the more traditional Julian calendar as opposed to the Gregorian that is internationally the most well known.  Because of this Christmas is celebrated on January 7 (on the calendar you probably look at).

Unlike many who celebrate Christmas on the 25 of December it is seen by Orthodox churches to be much more about the religious significant events than Santa Clause and presents. In the Coptic Christian it is traditional to fast for 40 days prior to the Christmas feast. This allows for the practitioners to concentrate their thinking on their spiritual life and not the body.  This does not mean they will necessarily give up the exchanging of presents on the 25.  Some who live in the United States take the opportunity to celebrate twice. December 25th being a day to get together with family and exchange gifts and January 7th being the time to attend church and worship. They will have long night of chanting and when the fast is broken it is a true feast.