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cainB · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Moscow

So Christmas is coming, that time of year when everyone is full of goodwill and joy, we are preparing to stuff ourselves with turkey, ham, brussal sprots and Cristmas pudding. We are looking forward to getting off work, opening all our Christmas presents and watching our drunk uncle make a fool of himself again. NO HOLD ON i'm in Moscow! None of that is going to happen. Xmas isn't celebrated here.
I have to say for the first time since i found out Santa didn't really exist, I'm not looking forward to the yule tyme period. How exactly do u spend Christmas if your an ex-pat in Moscow? Eat dumplings and then drink volka with your friends!?
How are u all celebrating Christmas here in Moscow? I'm really interested to know. Any good ideas welcome. Rolling Eyes

laconic · Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:32 am Post subject: Re: Christmas in Moscow

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

It's not that Christmas isn't celebrated, but that the time and priorities are different from the west. New Year's Eve comes first and is the more important celebration (at least in terms of getting lots of vodka down your neck). Christmas comes later, some time in January (sorry can't remember exactly when) and is a religious event (also the case in the UK and US a long long time ago, I believe). So the latter event may have to be spent in a Russian Orthodox church, surrounded by beardies swinging their incense or whatever they do. Nosderovia!

cainB · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Moscow

Sorry i know Xmas is celebrated here on 7th January its just that 25th December will always be Christmas day for me where ever i'm in the world, because thats the day when family and friends get together.
What happens here on 7th December? Is it the same as Xmas in the west.

steven_gerrard · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 155

You could always get on something called a plane, which leaves from an airport (of which there are several in and around Moscow) and spend Christmas in a country where it is a major celebration with people who are actually pleased to see you. Exchange gifts with loved ones, eat a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and generally relax and have a proper holiday away from Russia.

Alternatively, you could spend it here in Moscow where December 25th is like any other working day and spend most of the time wishing you were thousands of miles away. On the plus side, McDonalds do a cracking turkey burger and mince pie flavoured ice cream round this time of year. AND think of all that lovely money you have saved by not paying for a plane ticket.

chechevitsa · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 22