The Taking of Ishmael
Russians celebrate the Day of Military Glory — on December 24, 1790, Russian troops took the Turkish fortress of Izmail. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791, it was considered a citadel of Turkish rule on the Danube.
In November 1790, Russian troops under the able leadership of commander Alexander Suvorov began the siege of Izmail. After nine hours of fighting, the fortress fell.
Christmas Eve
On December 24, Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas Eve – the eve of the feast of the Nativity of Christ. Today, Christmas Eve in many Western countries, like Christmas, is a family holiday. Even those who do not attend church gather at the table in the evening with the whole family.
The whole ritual of the Christmas Eve meal is headed by the father of the family. Before the beginning of the feast, they read a passage of the Gospel of St. Luke about the Nativity of Christ and read a common family prayer.
During dinner, those present exchange wafers. Wafers are plates of unleavened bread, with a figured pattern, which symbolize the body of Christ. Having broken off a piece of the wafer, the one to whom it is given utters a good wish. This is a very touching and important event of the evening.