Holidays

[oldbutspry]

Well, I'm here waiting on the fiancee visa process and still hopeful that she will arrive before the end of the year.  So I have started wondering how Russians celebrate the holidays.  Is Christmas pretty much the same?  You know - tree, wrapped presents, Santa Claus, etc?  What differences are there?  Do they have any special customs for New Years?

Thanks,

John

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Holidays, posted by oldbutspry on Oct 5, 2002

Xmas, New Year, Orthodox Xmas and the "Old" New Year!!

[KenC]

... in response to Holidays, posted by oldbutspry on Oct 5, 2002

John,
Think as though New Years Day and Christmas are switched and you will understand how Russians celebrate the holidays.  They have a New Years tree, spend time with family and exchange gifts then.  Christmas eve is more of a party time.
KenC

[Stevo]

... in response to Re: Holidays, posted by KenC on Oct 5, 2002

my wife wanted to go out and party on XMas eve.  I said, "No, we're going to church!"  She didn't get it.  But we went to church any way.  And on New Year's eve I wanted to go out and she wanted to stay home and 'make a table' so that we could all (daughter included) celebrate the new year.

Now, after XMas #3, she gets the point of Midnight Mass, but she still prefers to stay home on New Year's eve.  Maybe this year we'll spend the evening out...who knows!

Stevo