A Russian New Year

It was only in 1922 that the USSR came into line with the West in co-ordinating the calendar. (For this reason the October Revolution of 1917 was always celebrated in November!)
The Orthodox Church remained outside of these changes, as they had remained outside of the changes made by Pope Gregory in the 16th Century (Introduction of the 'Gregorian' calendar). The situation we have today is that the main secular Winter celebration is New Year on 1st January, the Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on 6th January and the New Year on 13th January.
The Russian people are spared the absurdity of early commercial activity, so there are no Christmas greetings to be found in October. The activity from mid December though is feverish and exhilerating and arguably proportionate. The magazines are full of advice and recommendation on how to give a successful party and have fun. The numerous TV channels vie with each other as to who can provide the most outrageous glitter, the most schmaltz and the craziest party.
Poor health prevented me from getting out last night and celebrating with friends but I was still able to enjoy the evening with family. We had a meal and champagne. Tradition is that the more sumptuous the meal, the more prosperous will be your year, so we made the effort: roast chicken, smoked salmon, Georgian cheese pie, three salads, garlic prawns and other tit-bits.
Being on the eighth floor meant that we were able to enjoy everyone elses fireworks :-) I have never seen the point of buying your own when the show is always so public, but then I am a Yorkshireman!

Snovom Godom,
Graham