Christmas is one of the most significant Christian holidays, celebrated in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, different Christian traditions celebrate it on different days: Catholics and most Protestants celebrate it on December 25, and the Orthodox, following the Julian calendar, celebrate it on January 7. So which Christmas is “real”?
In fact, both are equal and authentic celebrations of the same event. The difference in dates is due to the use of different calendars. The Gregorian calendar, introduced in the 16th century, more accurately reflects astronomical cycles, so it was adopted by Catholics and later by many secular states. Orthodox churches, following the older Julian calendar, have preserved the tradition of celebrating on December 25, but according to the old style, which in the modern Gregorian calendar corresponds to January 7.
It is important to understand that Christmas is not so much a date as a spiritual event. Its meaning is joy, peace and love that unite millions of people around the world. Regardless of the day of celebration, it is a time of unity with loved ones, charity and inner renewal.
True Christmas is the one that is celebrated with sincere faith and warmth of the heart, whether it is December 25 or January 7.