The reason is that the Georgian Orthodox Church, like the Orthodox Churches of Russia and Serbia, still uses the old Julian calendar.
On Christmas Day, a parade called “Alilo” passes through Georgian cities, during which people imitate characters from the Nativity story, many holding Georgian flags. During the parade, carols are sung, most of which contain the famous text «ოცდახუთსა დეკემბერსა ქრისტე იშვა ბეთლემსაო» – “On December 25, Christ was born in Bethlehem.”
The traditional Georgian Christmas. According to tradition, Tovlis Papa descends from the Caucasus Mountains and travels throughout Georgia, distributing sweets.
