In Russia

St. Nicholas is extremely popular.

St.Nicholas is also known as Grandfather Frost.

New Year Day is the main holiday.

Father Frost delivers presents on New Years Eve.

Traditionally a figure called Babushka gave gifts to the children. Babushka is an old woman or grandmother with a headscarf tied under the chin.

Christmas is celebrated¹ on January 7th.

Christmas day begins at midnight with churches ringing in the day with magnificent choral chanting.

Christmas Eve dinner does not contain any meat.

People eat a special porridge called "Kutya." This is made of wheat berries or other grains, which symbolize² hope and immortality³, and honey and poppy seeds, which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest.

A ceremony involving the blessing⁴ of the home is frequently observed. A priest visits the home accompanied by boys carrying vessels⁵ of holy water, and a little water is sprinkled in each room.