Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated in different ways across many countries, but the elements that make it a unique celebration are very peculiar in Ethiopia. Christmas in Ethiopia, known as Genna, is a time for attending church for devout Christians, feasting on a sumptuous selection of Ethiopian dishes, and playing Yegenna chewata, a form of traditional hockey. It is also celebrated on 7 January, instead of 25 December, as Ethiopia follows the Coptic calendar which has 13, months, 12 of which are of 30 days each and the 13th month at the end of the 5 or 6 days depending whether the year is a leap year or not. Church ceremonies have always formed the heart of traditional Christmas celebrations. These take place in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock and also in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit separately from girls and women. Also the choir sings from the outside circle.

Before the celebrations on Christmas Day, devout Orthodox Christians fast. This fasting period, known as Yegenna Tsom, is traditionally commemorated by not eating dairy products such as meat, milk, and cheese for 40 days before Christmas. In its strictest application, followers are also expected not to eat food between dawn and dusk and generally devote their time to prayer at home and regular visits to church. Even for those who elect not to fast for the entire 40 days, Christmas Eve plays an important part in the connection with their faith. They are expected to fast strictly before Christmas Day and spend the night of Christmas Eve at church in prayer and solace. Genna in churches usually starts in the evening of Christmas Eve. People receive candles as they enter the church or bring their own. After lighting the candles everyone walks around the church three times, then stands throughout the mass, which may last up to three hours. For those unable to attend the Genna Eve mass, early morning mass starts as early as 4 am. At dawn on the morning of Genna, people get dressed in white. Most people wear a traditional garment called a shemma. It’s a thin white cotton piece of cloth with brightly coloured stripes across the ends and worn like a toga. But it is also common to see people wearing normal western-style clothing to church especially in major cities including the capital Addis Ababa.