The usual date for celebrating Christmas is December 25th. However, for Russians, this date is different and so are their unique traditions.
Holiday Traditions in Russia
Russians enjoy celebrating Christmas, especially since the fall of communism. Starting in 1917, Christmas was banned in Russia to solidify a secular state for the ruling communist party. But as of 1992, with the fall of the Soviet Union, Christmas traditions are stronger than ever.
For example, if a Russian was a regular church goer during Soviet times, that person would be under suspicion from the state. Yet today, being "a believer" is completely acceptable, especially since prime minister Vladimir Putin attends an orthodox church service every year with his family on Christmas Eve.
The actual day of Russian Christmas is January 7th. This day falls as December 25th on the Julian calendar, a reform of the Roman calendar which most orthodox churches use. Historical traditions begin on Christmas Eve, January 6th, when Russian families sit down to a meal when the first star is spotted in the sky. The usual traditional meal is kutya, a meatless porridge. Often, people throw the kutya on the ceiling, and if it sticks, good luck will come to them.
Russians also attend church Christmas Eve (not Christmas Day). A person should beware if s/he is invited to a Russian church service. It is extremely long, lasting an average of around three to four hours into the wee hours of the morning. In addition, only pregnant women and older people are generally allowed to sit. Others must stand the entire duration.
There is a traditional tree called the yolka. Historically, in the 1700s, reforming ruler Peter the Great brought the Christmas tree back to Russia with him from one of his many trips to the West, and the concept flourished.
In less prosperous times, the yolka was decorated by any means possible. Poor Russians used homemade decorations, but nowadays, they trim their trees with typical, modern ornaments and lights.
Russian Santa Claus Grandfather Frost, the Snow Maiden and Orthodox Christmas Gifts
The Russian version of Santa is called Grandfather Frost or Dyed Moroz. However, he does not slide down a chimney on Christmas Eve nor do children see gifts under the trees on Christmas morning. Instead, Grandfather Frost distributes the gifts on New Year's Day, the most revered holiday in Russia. His granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, helps him pass out presents to awaiting children.
In Soviet times of widespread poverty, if Russians dared to exchange homemade gifts, this small celebration would have been observed in the lesser-known provinces, where the State would not notice.
Today, traditional Christmas gifts vary. For children, Russians buy toys, dolls or books of timeless fairy tales. Buying for adults is more modern with popular choices such as amber jewelry (native to the region) and tea sets for women. For men, bottles of vodka and cognac will do.
Russian Christmas is a beloved affair, especially since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Historically, Russian traditions have not changed, but have become more modernized and embrace the freedom of celebrating religion openly.
More Important Holiday Customs in Russia
This article, Traditional Russian Christmas Food, discusses the historical and cultural norms of Slavic holiday dinner.
This article, Russian New Year's Traditions, discusses the customs behind the day and eve of Russia's most popular holiday.
Jennifer Ciotta - Jennifer Ciotta is the author of I, Putin (Vladimir Putin novel): http://vladimirputinnovel.com.
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