The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, was the predominant calendar in the Western world for over 1600 years. It was eventually replaced by the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, but it is still used by some Orthodox churches for religious holidays, including Christmas. The Julian calendar is slightly different from the Gregorian calendar, which is why Christmas is celebrated on different dates by different churches.
In 2025, Christmas will be celebrated on the Julian calendar on January 7th. This date is 13 days later than Christmas on the Gregorian calendar, which is observed on December 25th. Many Orthodox churches, such as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, follow the Julian calendar for religious celebrations, including Christmas. This means that for those who follow the Julian calendar, Christmas falls in early January.
Christmas Julian Calendar 2025
Celebrating Christmas on the Julian Calendar
For those who celebrate Christmas on the Julian calendar, the holiday season is a time of joy, reflection, and religious observance. Many traditions and customs are associated with Christmas on the Julian calendar, including fasting, attending church services, and exchanging gifts. In some cultures, Christmas is a time for family gatherings and feasting on traditional foods. Whether you follow the Julian calendar or the Gregorian calendar, the spirit of Christmas is a time for spreading love and goodwill to all.