~06.01.2024~
Teodora's pov:
*Today is January 6, which means Christmas Day for us Orthodox. Like every morning, I was always woken up by the sun breaking through the clouds, but this time I was woken up by the alarm. I got up around 8 in the morning and did my routine. I got ready and went to the church with my family. According to old customs, the householder would get up very early on Christmas Day, before sunrise, and go with his sons or grandsons to the nearby forest to cut down the Christmas tree and take it home. A young, healthy tree is chosen, and before cutting, one should make the sign of the cross, mention God, the glory of baptism and Christmas in a short prayer, and then cut a branch big enough for the host to carry it home on his shoulder. My younger brother and dad did that. They left tree in front of the house, dad tore off a small branch and put it on the front of the car. During the day nothing is usually doing. Today, even though it is Saturday, there is fasting, which means that fish is being prepared. Since I did my part and helped my mom, my friends and I agreed to do a very short live on YouTube. We posted on our Instagram profile that it will be live on YouTube. Live starts at 1 in the afternoon, and now it's 12am. We agreed that we will record it at Daniel's house because he has a large room where we can fit our recording equipment. And our equipment is lighting, 2 huge lights, a camera and a stand for it, a laptop that will be connected to the camera and so on, mostly everything that professional YouTubers use.*
Author's pov:
*As the cozy warmth of Christmas Day enveloped Daniel's living room, FolkBeat Harmony gathered for a special occasion. The room was adorned with festive decorations, and the ensemble members exchanged smiles, soaking in the holiday spirit. Kate, Ana, David, Daniel, Teodora, Max, Andrea, and Theo prepared for their live stream on YouTube.*
Teodora: (checking the setup) Alright, everythi;g looks good. We're about to go live, guys!
Ana: (excited) Christmas Day with FolkBeat Harmony – who would've thought?
David: (grinning) Our own kind of celebration. Let's make it memorable.
*The ensemble positioned themselves, Max and Andrea with guitars in their hands, ready to share the magic with the virtual audience. The live stream began with cheerful greetings and holiday wishes.*
Teodora: (smiling) Dobar dan, svima! - Good day, everyone! We hope you're having a wonderful Christmas Day.
Ana: (waving) And we're thrilled to spend a part of this wonderful Day with you. Welcome to our very first live stream!
*As the comments section filled with greetings and well-wishes, the ensemble dove into a Q&A, interacting with their viewers.*
Daniel: (reading a comment) "Favorite Christmas memory?" That's a good one.
Kate: (thinking) Mine is definitely the first time I performed on Christmas Eve. I think it was in kindergaden with you Max. It was magical. I was singing one of the Christmas songs.
Max: (nodding) Agreed. I performed in that small performance and I was a Santa Claus, hahah.
The energy and joy in the air were incredible.
*The questions ranged from their musical inspirations to personal holiday traditions, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.*
Andrea: (responding to a question) We actually have so many traditions and if I start to talk about it, it will take days and days.
*As the live stream continued, the ensemble shared anecdotes, laughter, and, of course, music. They performed a few Christmas classics.*
Max: (strumming his guitar) Let's add some holiday vibes. Here's a little something for you.
*The room filled with the melodic sounds of guitars and singing the "Christmas to me" from Marcus and Martinus.*
Teodora: (grateful) Thank you all for joining us on this special day. We're truly blessed to have such an amazing audience.
Kate: Um..Guys..Do you know who is watching?
David: (confused) People, who else.
Kate: (pointing to comments) Just take a look.
Teodora: NO WAY!!
Andrea: Marcus & Matinus is watching!
Ana: Hello guys!
Kate: (reading their comment) You all have beautiful voice, we love you. We all love you too!
*As the live stream neared its end, FolkBeat Harmony wished their viewers a Merry Christmas, spreading joy and musical cheer to all who tuned in.*
Ana: (waving) And don't forget to subscribe, like, and share if you enjoyed the live session.
Teodora: (smiling) Hristos se rodi! - Christ is born!
Everyone: Vaistinu se rodi! - Indeed, He is born!
Teodora's pov:
*As we finished the live, we went to our homes to celebrate the holiday.*
*The day slowly turned into a beautiful night. This is where the best traditions that an Orthodox can have go. Since today is fasting, as I said, fish, beans, sauerkraut, lean pie made of walnuts or cherries, and there is also baked pumpkin. Honey and nuts can also be found on the table, which are kept in the home after Christmas Eve. According to some customs, the host chooses 4 walnuts and throws one walnut in each corner before dinner. It is believed that this is how everything that is bad is driven away. Christmas "Chesnica" is an indispensable part of the Christmas celebration in the homes of Orthodox Christians in Serbia. However, chesnica recipes can vary from region to region. Regardless of all the differences in customs and preparation, česnica for Christmas is one of those traditions that unites and gathers the family around the table. The moment of anticipation when the česnica clove breaks and the question of who will get the coin out of it is one of the favorite moments of celebrating the Christmas holidays. Chesnica is crushed on Christmas Eve, when the household gathers for dinner, before the start of dinner. It is broken into as many parts as there are household items, and one part is set aside for the house. It is divided in a circle, from the owner of the house to the right. The one who pulls a coin from the chesnica will not have problems with money during the year.*
---Skip time---
*It is Christmas Eve dinner, we gathered in the living room, where the atmosphere was warm and joyful. The flickering light of the candles and the aroma of festive dishes filled the air.*
My Dad: (smiling) Another Christmas together. God bless us.
My Mom: (nodding) And many more to come.
* We exchanged gifts, a moment filled with laughter and excitement. Traditional Christmas carols played in the background, creating a harmonious backdrop for the joyous occasion.*
*Before dinner, we spun the chesnica and guess what, I didn't get a coin.*
Philip: (excited) Look what I found in the chesnica! (holding up the coin)
Me: Well, well! Looks like you're the lucky one this year.
*The night continued with storytelling, singing, and sharing memories. It was a time of togetherness, reflecting on the blessings of the past year and expressing gratitude for the moments shared.**As the clock approached midnight, signaling the end of Christmas Eve, we gathered for a final prayer. The room echoed with wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the upcoming year.*
My Mom: (closing the prayer) Hristos se rodi! - Christ is born!
Family: Vaistinu se rodi! - Indeed, He is born!
*With hearts full of warmth and love, we embraced the spirit of Christmas Eve, cherishing the timeless traditions that bound them together.*
YOU ARE READING
When North meet South
FanfictionTeodora, a passionate folklorist from Serbia, has the opportunity to participate in an international folklore festival in Norway. Marcus and Martinus, world famous singers, happen to attend the festival as special guests, where they perform their hi...
