Old New Year's Day celebrates the old New Year traditions according to the Julian calendar. The Romans began numbering the days of the year Anno Domino in 57 A.D. Previously they had been using the Julian calendar which was introduced by Julius Caesar. Most countries around the world adopted the new Gregorian calendar after it was introduced in 1582 — all except for Russia.

Though Soviet Russia finally adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar. The tradition of celebrating two New Years is widely enjoyed in Russia. The Russians also informally celebrate two Christmases — one from each calendar.

Russian traditions for the Old New Year celebrations usually consist of large family feasts and gatherings. The tradition of the Old New Year is also observed in Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, and Serbia. Happy Old New Year!