Orthodox Christians prepare for Christmas in January

Just when you thought the holiday season was over, Orthodox Christians all over the world who follow the Julian calendar will be celebrating Christmas Day on Monday.

Carmen Holota will be one of them.

She’s of Ukrainian heritage and told Greg Morgan last week that they fast on Christmas Eve until dinner time.

“It’s a great big table, as many people that can sit around it as possible. Big kalach, which is the bread in the middle with the candle going,” Holota said. “From there, just the 12 dishes for the 12 apostles served for everybody.”

Holota said the burning candle represents Christ. As well, wheat is spread underneath the table, representing family and agriculture.

The table also includes an extra setting for deceased family, she said.

The holiday takes a lot of cooking and preparation but Holota said the kids are eager to participate.

“My kids are right in on it. Family and friends that come … they get their kids excited. This year, my daughter helped me to do the braiding of the bread and she was really excited she knew how to do that,” she said.

After all, who wouldn’t be excited to celebrate Christmas twice, as Holota’s family does.

“Heck yes. The more Christmas, the better,” she said. “I put as much as I can into the season.”