These two together do not end with exclamation mark. Europeans wonder why Russians do not go home for Christmas. Well, because usually it is actually the other way around - Russian people go to Europe for Christmas holidays. Catholic Christmas (the 25^th one) is not existent as such in Russia, not celebrated.  Having Orthodoxy as a religion of the majority, the 7^th of January is actually  acknowledged and the followed Christmas Day. But it is a less celebrated than New Year itself. The 31^st is a big day. It is rather a party thing than a family reunion; it can be both, but the party element wins. Russians simply take advantage of long vocations (official national holidays are for 10 days – form 1^st to 10^th January) and rather than drinking all the period long, they do foreign destinations. Europe is among them.

I have been reflecting how cultural the Celebrations indeed are. Having my third catholic Christmas in Europe I experience myself the emergence of Christmas from its start in the end of November with shops switching their product lines and embedding winter theme till the climax on the 25^th when roads are empty. What I can observe is how myself originally from Russia look at this holiday as something that is happening around me, but not with.  I appreciate the whole rush happening, but rather as an observer, than an active participant. Even for the 3^rd time.  What it shows (and proves) is that cultural norms and behaviors are hardwired in our minds from the very, very early age. Perceptions vary based on our heritage. And it’s great to be able to enrich your luggage with other perspectives – it is beautiful to say the least!


Photo: -12°C