▷ Holidays dedicated to tradition and relaxation 🎉

Romanian traditions between Christmas and New Year
Relaxation and reflection before the new year
Preparations for New Year’s Eve
Moments of family and friendship
Culinary delight and traditional drinks
The joy of giving and receiving gifts

This magical period between Christmas and New Year is one of the most anticipated of the year, full of special moments, Romanian traditions and preparations for the new year. It’s a perfect break to relax, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the past year. Let’s find out together how to take advantage of this transition period between the holidays and transform it into an unforgettable moment!

Romanian traditions between Christmas and New Year

In Romania, the days between Christmas and New Year are full of customs that bring family and friends together. Among the most important traditions are:

Christmas carols and New Year’s carols: Children and young people go from house to house singing «Pluguşorul» or other Christmas carols, bringing good luck and prosperity in the new year.
St. Stephen’s Day (26 December): On this day Romanians celebrate Saint Stephen, considered the protector of families. Traditions include going to church, but also family gatherings at the dinner table.
Cooking traditional dishes: In this period the tables are still full of typical Christmas delicacies, such as sarmales, cozonac, piftia and homemade desserts. It’s the perfect time to enjoy traditional recipes, prepared with love by your mother or grandmother.

Relaxation and reflection before the new year

After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the days between the holidays are ideal for taking a break. Choose to relax in the company of your loved ones, treat yourself to a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

This period is perfect for:

New beginnings: Reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and set your intentions for the coming year. You can also keep a diary of your wishes and resolutions for 2024.
Finding a balance between rest and fun activities: Take a walk in the cold winter air, watch Christmas movies, or read your favorite book. These little moments of indulgence will bring you a feeling of well-being.

Preparations for New Year’s Eve

Even if the holidays are not over yet, preparations for New Year’s Eve can begin during this period. Traditionally, Romanians emphasize New Year’s celebrations, but also customs that are said to bring good luck and prosperity, such as:

Old New Year traditions: Many families usually have a table set with traditional dishes and light fireworks at midnight. Special costumes are also worn, and some regions maintain the tradition of wearing a «hate mask» to ward off evil spirits.
Special places for the party: Why not take advantage of this period to book your place in a restaurant in advance or organize a party at home? Make sure everything is ready to welcome the new year with a smile on your face and good mood!

Moments of family and friendship

The days between Christmas and New Year are perfect for spending time with family and friends. Organize a small event, be it a festive breakfast or a quiet dinner, where you can enjoy the company of your loved ones. You can also organize group activities, such as board games or a Christmas movie marathon.

Culinary delight and traditional drinks

Another nice aspect of this period is the food! Immerse yourself in culinary traditions and experiment with new recipes or learn to prepare the same delicacies that delighted you as a child. Furthermore, seasonal drinks such as mulled wine, palinca or mulled wine are ideal for warming the soul on cold winter days.

The joy of giving and receiving gifts

Even though Christmas is over, the Christmas spirit continues through the exchange of gifts. You may no longer have a tree full of gifts, but it’s always a joy to give something symbolic to your loved ones. It can be a beautiful flower, a small personalized gift or even a thank you letter.

These days between Christmas and New Year are a unique moment to end the year with joy and serenity, but also to prepare for new beginnings. Whether you choose to spend time with your family, pamper yourself or prepare for the new year, don’t forget to give yourself moments of rest and enjoy the magic of the holidays.

✨ Welcome the new year with hope, joy and good luck! ✨