The Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve, when the traditional "badnjak" (yule log) is brought to the family hearth by the male head of the family and his oldest son. As they enter with the young oak tree, they give the greeting: "Good evening, and joyous and blessed Christmas Eve to you." Members of the family welcome them by sprinkling them with wheat as a wish for good health and prosperity. 

As the yule log burns, the host first blesses himself, the sprinkles the "badnjak" with wine and says, "Oh joyous yule log. As we sprinkle you with wine, may happiness, peace and every blessing of God be ours." Next, a small amount of oil is poured on the log with the words, "Oh joyous yule log. As we sprinkle you with oil, may health and progress be ours in our work and in all our footsteps." 

The women and children then spread straw on the floor to signify that Christ was born in a stable. Walnuts are cast to the four walls in the sign of the cross as a prayer for God's blessing and a good life. The family then sits down to a light, lenten dinner. After eating, later in the evening, the family attends Church. In many families, gifts are opened at home after returning from church services. Early Christmas morning, the traditional candle is lit, to burn all day. Special Christmas greetings are exchanged with visitors and family members: 

"Hristos se Rodi!" (Christ is born!) "Voistino se Rodi!" (Indeed, He is born!) The first male visitor on Christmas Day ("polozajnik") brings with him a special blessing, and he is specially honored throughout the day.

Before the Christmas feast, a special "first course" is served. The Cesnica-Christmas bread-is brought to the table by the hostess. Cesnica is prepared as a special bread or as a nut pastry. Either way, it is baked with a coin in it. All those present break off a piece of the Cesnica. He who finds the coin will have blessings in the coming year. The Cesnica is served with Cicvara-a yellow cornmeal dish.