Christmas and New Year

The Bible interprets the Jesus’ birth as an event that gives the message about Christmas: the glory to God in the highest is reflected, the peace on earth is established as a proof of God’s favor toward people. Every Christmas an awareness of God’s favor is renewed in the people’s hearts. Immortal God became mortal after Christmas so the people through Him could inherit eternal life. Most Christian churches celebrate Christmas on 25th December, the day when the little God – Jesus was born. In some Croatian regions the first day of the new year is called Little Christmas or Young Christmas. During the period of renewed Western Roman Empire, Christians considered the Jesus’ birth as a beginning of the new year. From the 1691 the Church celebrates the 1st January as the beginning of the new year and New Year’s feast. Family celebration of New Year is similar to Christmas therewith that the Christmas is celebrated in immediate family and New Year is celebrated with extended family and friends. Today celebration of New Year belongs to everyone, not just to Christians. It is welcomed in the whole world by singing, dancing and with midnight wireworks.