Christmas Traditions
Around the World
Russia
In the days
of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much.
New Year was the important time - when 'Father Frost' brought
presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas
can be openly celebrated - either on December 25th; or more
often on January 7th. This unusual date is because the Russian
Orthodox church uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious
celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies
and 'meat dumplings'.
