For the uninitiated traveler, the holiday season in the Caucasus is a beautiful puzzle. Why does the West unwrap gifts on December 25th, while the Armenians celebrate on January 6th, and the Georgians wait until January 7th?

Chichilaki is Georgia’s traditional New Year and Christmas tree, handcrafted from hazelnut or walnut wood and rooted in ancient ritual. Long before Western fir trees appeared, chichilakis symbolized renewal, fertility, and hope for the coming year. Closely linked to the western Georgian New Year tradition of Kalanda, they are decorated with fruits and sweets, then ceremonially burned in January to cleanse the past and welcome new beginnings.