Most Romanians go out of the big cities to spend Christmas with their families. In the mountains there is a higher chance of getting snow, experiencing the heart and soul of Romanian cuisine and traditions that have been kept for generations. So… after reading some articles, here are some things that I found out.
1. The Singing Neighbors (Colindatul)
On Christmas Eve, the streets come alive! Groups of children and adults go from house to house singing colinde (traditional carols). These aren’t just songs; they are wishes for health and luck. In many villages, you’ll see carollers dressed in beautiful, handmade folk costumes.
2. Edible Rewards
If you go caroling, don’t expect a simple “thank you.” Traditionally, hosts give carollers cozonac (a sweet walnut bread), apples, walnuts, and even handmade pretzels called colaci. It’s a delicious way to say thanks for the good wishes! In the cities it is more transactional and kids get money, but the heart and soul of Romania is in it’s food!
3. The “Luck” Mistletoe
In Romania, mistletoe isn’t just for kissing. People hang it over their doors to bring harmony and peace to the home. It’s believed that having a bit of green mistletoe in your house ensures a year without arguments and plenty of good luck.
4. Fortune Telling with Apples
Want to know if you’ll be healthy next year? An old rural tradition says you should slice an apple in half on Christmas Eve. If the fruit is white and healthy inside, you’ll have a great year. If it’s not… well, maybe just grab another apple!
5. Don’t Touch That Broom!
Superstition is part of the fun. On December 24th, you are not allowed to sweep the house. Why? Because people believe that if you sweep, you are accidentally “sweeping away” your luck for the coming year. It’s the perfect excuse to skip the chores!
6. The Magic Fire Ritual
In the southern part of Romania, farmers wake up before sunrise to start a fire in their stoves. They stir the embers with a wooden branch while making a wish for a rich harvest. It’s a cozy, symbolic way to start the most important day of the year.
7. A Feast for Meat Lovers
The Christmas table in Romania is a dream for foodies. You have to try sarmale (delicious meat and rice rolls wrapped in cabbage) and piftia (a unique garlic-flavored meat jelly). Almost every dish is homemade with love and local ingredients expecially in the countryside.
8. The Christmas Tree “Nest”
In some regions, people put a bit of hay or pine branches under the Christmas table. This is a sweet reminder of the manger where Jesus was born. It makes the whole dining room smell like a fresh winter forest.
9. The Smell of Freshly Baked Cozonac
If you walk through any Romanian neighborhood in December, the air smells like vanilla, lemon zest, and toasted walnuts. This is because almost every household bakes Cozonac, a rich, brioche-like sweet bread. It is the “king” of Romanian desserts, and many grandmothers still spend hours kneading the dough by hand to make sure it’s perfectly fluffy. The recipe bellow is not traditional but still looks tasty:
10. The 40-Day “Cleanse”
Before the big feast on December 25th, many Romanians follow a 40-day fast. This doesn’t mean we don’t eat, but we have to skip all animal products (meat, eggs, and dairy). This makes the Christmas morning meal—full of sausages, steaks, and cheeses—taste even better!
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
Leave a comment