Russia: St. Nicholas is extremely popular

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 celebrated 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 symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds, which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest.

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