Have you ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate Christmas for more than one day? Well, let’s take a trip across the world to a tiny country named Moldova to discover the exciting tradition of celebrating seven days of Christmas. This is one of my favorite places I have visited during Christmas time with a missionary family.
The date is January 6, and I tuck myself into bed and get cozy dreaming of all the exciting things ahead for tomorrow. I roll over, and the sun shines on my face to wake me up for the day we call Christmas!
I hurry out of bed and downstairs where presents are waiting for me, but it’s not time to open them yet. First, I must get ready and go to church. We arrive at about 9 AM and stay until lunchtime, usually around noon. The priest/preacher speaks of Christmas, and children sing traditional carols such as O, ce veste minunată to start our day off. The church service is beautiful and so full of joy and excitement.
I hear “Time to eat!” as we enter the kitchen to our home. The whole family sits down at the table and begins eating the food prepared the day before. I eat until I am completely stuffed and can barely move. It snowed here in Moldova, which means it’s the perfect time and weather to go sledding. My cousins and I dress in our warmest clothes, grab our boots and sleds and head outside to find the best hill we can find. We sled for hours until it’s too dark to see in front of us. We’re greeted inside with homemade cake and warm smiles. It’s dark and Christmas day is winding down, but celebrating isn’t over just yet.
For the next seven days, all the lights and scents from Christmas can still be seen and felt. January 14 is coming fast, and we’re preparing for our new year. As we count the days and watch the decorations slowly fall away, we have reached January 13, New Year’s Eve. Tonight, my family and I stay up late to ring in the new year with sparkling grape juice and “La Mult An” (Happy New Year) ringing through the house. There are feelings of both happiness and sadness as I say hello to the new year and goodbye to Christmas.
Christmas, you see, isn’t much different for me. I still have traditions that make it special, like celebrating for seven days, but I also have love and memories with family and friends. So, no matter where you’re spending Christmas this year, remember that somewhere around the world someone just like you is celebrating with things that bring them joy, happiness, peace and love too.
PBS LearningMedia
Look back on last year and set goals for next with this New Year reflections worksheet from PBS KIDS!
PBS LearningMedia
On January 1st around the world, people celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next. How do other cultures celebrate the new year?
As Luna and friends explore new places and cultures, here’s how you can do that from your own home and neighborhood.
Learning to appreciate new and different cultures helps our children on the playground, in the classroom, and eventually, in the workplace.
You can use elements from the show Let's Go Luna! to help your child feel connected to your family’s cultural history.
Donny Elder is an NC Pre-K teacher in Alexander County. He has taught Pre-K for ten years in Alexander and worked in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. A 2007 graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a double major in psychology and education, Donny has worked in education since 1998 and has loved every minute of it. One of his favorite parts in the classroom is making connections with families. He strives for communication to be on high alert to ensure all are working together for a child’s needs. Donny is excited to be a Rootle Ambassador and looks forward to growing professionally and to be better equipped to help the children and families of Alexander County. He is engaged to be married in May 2024 to the love of his life.