During the Soviet era, Christmas was rarely celebrated; in 1929, it was banned as a religious holiday. Instead, New Year’s Eve took center stage, and Christmas trees were transformed into “New Year’s trees.” Those who wanted to celebrate Christmas did so in secret, only with family.
After 1991, the bans were lifted, but to this day, Christmas in Russia remains a quieter and more spiritual holiday. The most beloved New Year’s characters are “Ded Moroz” and his granddaughter “Snegurochka.” Children dance around the Christmas tree on New Year’s Eve and call out to them. When they “appear,” the star on top of the tree lights up.
