Moscow is Dressed for the Holidays

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The Holidays have just begun in Russia. Only a very few people celebrated on 25 December, mostly the tiny Catholic and Protestant minorities. At the beginning of the year, Russians get a 10-day holiday that covers both New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas. In short, as America winds down the celebrations, Russia ramps ‘em up. Go figure!

Would You Have Some Tea?

Dede and Snegurochka are having a nice rest before the New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas. Come, come to the table and sit… you’re always welcome.

What’s That Wonderful Menagerie?

Idiomatic translation of the text:

What’s that wonderful menagerie? Why, they’re new toys, of course!

They came from the bulging sack of good old Dede Moroz, just as he promised!

Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Highlights

Since Tchaikovsky’s ballet Caisse-Noisette (The Nutcracker) is so associated with Christmas, here are some excerpts from it performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Maestro John Lanchberry.

My Best Wishes On This, Your Holiday

Bringing Home the Tree

Here is a classic holiday scene from 1952. Yes, Virginia, there was life in the “Evil Empire”, and it wasn’t much different from life anywhere else, American propaganda notwithstanding.