Christmas holidays and customs

A Guide to Serbian Christmas Holidays and Traditions: Family, Faith, and Gifting

The Christmas Holiday Calendar: A Cycle of Joy

The cycle of holidays dedicated to Christ's birth is rich and diverse. Each one carries its own symbolism and specific customs:

• Detinci, Materice, and Oci: Holidays of family bonding and symbolic gifting.

• Tucindan: The day for preparing the Christmas roast.

• Badnji dan and Badnje veče (Christmas Eve): Bringing in the Badnjak (Yule log) and the family Lenten dinner.

• Božić (January 7th): The joyous day of Christ's birth.

• Holidays following Christmas: New Year, Epiphany (Bogojavljenje), St. John's Day (Jovanjdan), and St. Sava's Day (Savindan).

For these holidays, gifts do not need to be expensive; a small token of affection, like a traditional souvenir, is enough to show love and respect.

1. The Pre-Christmas Gifting Cycle: Detinci, Materice, and Oci

These three consecutive Sundays before Christmas are purely family holidays. The central custom is playfully "tying up" family members and their subsequent "untying" (redeeming themselves) with gifts, symbolizing unbreakable family bonds.

• Detinci (Children's Day - 3rd Sunday before Christmas): Adults playfully tie children's legs with string or ribbon. The children then "untie" themselves by giving small gifts they have prepared beforehand, learning mindfulness towards adults.

• Materice (Mothers' Day - 2nd Sunday before Christmas): Children tie up their mothers. The mother is then "freed" only after she gives the children gifts she has prepared in advance.

• Oci (Fathers' Day - 1st Sunday before Christmas): Fathers are celebrated in the same way, giving gifts to children and other family members to "redeem" themselves.

2. Preparations for the Most Joyous Day: Tucindan and Badnji Dan

As Christmas approaches, customs become more vivid, focusing on preparing the home for the arrival of Christ.

• Tucindan (Two days before Christmas): Traditionally, this is the day when the "pečenica" (a roasted pig or lamb) is prepared for the Christmas feast.

• Badnji dan and Badnje veče (Christmas Eve): This day is full of deep symbolism. The central event is cutting and ceremonially bringing the Badnjak (a young oak tree representing the Yule log) into the house. The Badnjak symbolizes the wood that Joseph brought to warm the cold cave where Jesus was born.

• The Custom: Along with the Badnjak, straw is brought into the house and spread under the table where the Lenten dinner is served. Sweets and small gifts are hidden in the straw for children to find while "chirping" like little chicks (pijukanje).

3. Božić (Christmas Day): The Položajnik and Česnica

Christmas is the crown of this cycle. On this festive day, family members dress in their best clothes and welcome the first guest – the Položajnik – in a celebratory spirit.

• The Položajnik (The First Guest): When the Položajnik arrives, they stoke the fire (symbolically using the Badnjak branch) and recite a Christmas toast, invoking health, happiness, and prosperity into the home. In return, the hosts serve them and traditionally present them with a suitable gift.

• The Česnica (Christmas Bread): A special round loaf – the Česnica – is prepared for Christmas breakfast. A coin is hidden inside the dough. It is believed that whoever finds the coin in their piece of bread will have good luck and prosperity throughout the coming year. The host often gifts them additional money as well.

Gift Guide: The Best Gifts from Serbia for Christmas Holidays

If you are wondering what to gift your family members for Christmas, the answer lies in tradition. The best gifts are those that are authentic and tied to our folk customs. Here are our suggestions from the Serbian Shop offer:

Gifts for Mothers (for Materice or Christmas)

Delight mothers, grandmothers, or wives with items that bring warmth to the home and kitchen:

• A cheerful apron with ethno motifs.

• A hand-embroidered towel or a decorative cloth for the Slava bread.

• A woven pillowcase with traditional Serbian patterns.

• A practical tote bag, a wooden cutting board, or beautiful artwork featuring Serbian motifs.

Gifts for Fathers (for Oci or Christmas)

For fathers and hosts, traditional gifts celebrating Serbian hospitality are ideal:

• Everything related to the favorite Serbian drink – rakija: traditional "čokanj" glasses, wooden flasks (buklija/čutura), or vintage-style shot glasses.

• A beer mug for relaxing moments.

• Clothing items like caps with Serbian flag and coat of arms motifs.

Gifts for Children (for Detinci or Christmas)

Depending on their age, gifts should be fun and educational:

• Books on Serbian history suitable for children.

• Educational toys, puzzles, brain teasers, or board games that bring the family together.

What to Gift the Položajnik?

The Položajnik is a special guest and deserves a special gift. There is no better or more authentic gift than a pair of hand-knitted, traditional wool socks, symbolizing warmth and care.

Mir Božiji, Hristos se rodi! (Peace of God, Christ is Born!)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Serbian Christmas Customs

When are Materice and Oci celebrated?

Materice (Mothers' Day) is always celebrated on the second Sunday before Christmas, and Oci (Fathers' Day) on the first Sunday immediately before Christmas.
 

What is an appropriate gift for the Položajnik?

The Položajnik is traditionally gifted with something representing warmth and attention. Wool socks, a towel, a shirt, or a beautifully packaged wooden flask (čutura) are excellent choices.
 

What goes into the Česnica besides the coin?

Besides the coin (for wealth), in some regions, a small piece of Badnjak wood (for health), a corn kernel (for success in the fields/work), or a bean is also added.