THESE 15 countries don't celebrate Christmas on December 25 | Check the full LIST and reason here

Amid the ongoing war against Russia, Ukraine created history by celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time in over 100 years. The decision was taken by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back in July and at the time of signing the legislation, Zelenskyy said that the country should "abandon the Russian heritage of
imposing Christmas celebrations" on a different date. While many Western countries conduct their celebrations on December 25, in most of the Soviet Union and the Middle East the celebration falls 13 days later. 

One of the major reasons why these countries celebrate Christmas in early January is because these nations celebrate feast days according to the old Julian Calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian Calendar which is usually followed by the West. The Julian Calendar was created under the reign of Julius Caesar in 35 BC and was widely used before the introduction of the Gregorian calendar that was proposed by Latin Pope Gregory of Rome in 1582. Here's a look at the list of nations that do not celebrate Christmas on December 25. 

Russia 

Russia's attempt to invade Ukraine was part of the reason why Ukraine decided to lean towards the West and celebrated Christmas on December 25. In Russia, 12 courses representing 12 apostles are eaten on Christmas Eve, as the country celebrates the holy festival on January 7. 

Belarus

Belarus also celebrates Christmas Eve on January 7 and the country eats pancakes and fish from a table with straw beneath the tablecloth. Not only this, the ‘Kalyady Tsars’ (Christmas Tsars) perform a rite that includes carnivals and folk plays to mark the New Year.

Egypt

From 25th November to 6th January the country recognises 43 days before Christmas (Advent) in which they eat a vegan diet. The feast of meat and lavish dinner the very next day and celebration fills up the country. 

Israel

Surprisingly! Christmas is celebrated three times in Israel. While the Catholic, Protestant and Russian Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on December 25, the Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and Romanian Orthodox churches, among others, celebrate Christmas on January 6. Not only this, the Armenian Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on January 18 and on each of these days the country is filled with lavish celebrations and grand processions. 

Moldova

According to Standard UK, Christmas trees in Moldova are usually decorated on New Year's Eve in Moldova and presents are touted as New Year Gifts. 

Romania

The Eastern European nations observe Christmas and mid-winter celebrations last from 20th December to 7th January.  On St Ignats Day (20th December) a fattened pig is slaughtered and enjoyed with Romanian plum brandy.

Greece 

While most post people in the Greek Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas on December 25, some still use the Julian calendar and celebrate Christmas on 7th January. 

Some other nations that do not celebrate Christmas on December 25 include Serbia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Georgia and Bulgaria. Overall, as most people in the world hand out their Christmas decorations and get into the merry spirits, half of the world is yet to commence its holiday festivities.