Christmas traditions are still maintained in villages from Moldova. Christmas carols can be heard going from house to house. Women prepare gifts and have filled the tables with dishes.

Ispas family from Drăguşeni, Străşeni, prepared for Christmas a few days beforehand.

"On Christmas we do polenta, as it is a tradition: polenta with goat cheese and pork stew. Sausages, cooked organs, meatballs and when a Christian comes here, he enjoys warm polenta" Maria Ispas said.

"The wine is set in barrel. When the boys, nephew, guests come in, we serve them a glass of wine, sit at the table" villager from Drăgușeni, Vasile Ispas said.

Christmas is the time when family gathers together.

"For us Christmas is holy, a day to spend with those dear to you. We go to our parents and celebrate."

Other settlements have the same warm atmosphere. In Coteala, Briceni, members of "Vatra Strămoşească" ensemble have dressed in traditional clothes and started singing carols. The first one being sung in the village's church.

Later, they arrived at Pascari family.

"I sometimes feel like those traditions are lost bit by bit, so it is very pleasant when someone respects them and passes on to future generations" villager from Coteala, Briceni, Cristina Pascari said.

"It is very beautiful. We are happy and enjoy all those traditions" villager from Coteala, Briceni, Octavian Pascari said.

One of the singer is even the village's priest.

"Along with the service, we have other missions, other callings that must be fulfilled" priest Sergiu Chifeac said.

Gheorghiță family from Sângereii Noi village have also prepared for the holidays by the book.

"We prepared sarmas, salad, jellied meat. Yesterday, we prepared all day, to dusk" villager from Sângereii Noi, Raisa Gheorghiţă said.

"Red and white wine from the cellar. When guests arrive, they must have a drink. If they do not drink, they will not come another time" villager from Sângereii Noi, Anatol Gheorghiţă said.