Christmas here in the USA and Russia is similar, but has some minor differences. Most differences seem to have come from the time the Soviets were ruling the country.
Russian Santa Claus
When the communists took power in 1917, they basically banned religion and religious holidays. People concerned with the Christmas tradition ended up re-inventing the New Year’s holiday to include a “Christmas” tree (called it a New Years tree or Yolka), and introduced “Grandfather Frost.” Also known as “Ded Moroz” in Russian, Grandfather Frost appeared to look like “Santa Claus” or “Pere Noel” with the exception of a blue suit instead of red. He is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps deliver the gifts. Some say she is his Grand Daughter.
Ded Moroz (Russian for Santa Clause)
Today, traditional Christmas is celebrated again on January 7. This was the day it was celebrated prior to the communist takeover in 1917. But, New Year’s remains more like the Christmas holiday in Russia.
Community decorated tree!
I have found a neat web site with taditional Russian Christmas music – mp3′s and Russian words with translations.
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