For many, many years Christmas was not celebrated in Russia: the government of the time would not allow it! Now Christmas is openly celebrated - either on December 25th, or more likely, on January 7th.

The official Christmas and New Year holidays are from the 31st of December to the 10th of January. Some people fast {don't eat} on Christmas Eve, until the first star has appeared in the sky. People then eat 'sochivo' {a dish made from wheat or rice with honey and fruit}. The Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and 'meat dumplings'.

The New Year celebrations are  very important.   This is when 'Father Frost' {'Ded Moroz'} brings presents to the children. He is always accompanied by his Granddaughter,   Snegurochka {Snow maiden}.

On New Year's eve, children hold hands and make a circle around the Christmas tree and call for Snegurochka or Ded Moroz. When they appear, the star and other lights on the Christmas tree light up! The traditional greeting for Happy New Year is 'S Novym Godom'.

For people who follow the Christian faith  Christmas is full of religious meaning and is celebrated both at home and at church.