Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia follow the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by Catholic and Protestant churches. They celebrate Christmas with special traditions.

Ethiopians follow the ancient Julian calendar, and like many other Orthodox Christians they celebrate Christmas on 7 January (or according to the Ge'ez Ethiopian calendar, the 29th day of Tahsas).

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians ... Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar, used by Catholic and Protestant churches.