Russian holidays are very different from the rest of Europe: they start quite late in December and last until almost mid-January. That is because the main holiday of the year is actually New Year while Orthodox Christmas is quietly celebrated in religious households on January 7 according to the calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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There is an explanation for this of course. Russia was a communist country with bans on all kinds of religious activities. New Year was promoted as a major holiday instead and to this day it is a holiday that almost every Russian takes part in.
Going to the city center to watch fireworks lighting the fireworks yourself in the backyard having a family gathering or drinking at a party with friends are just some of the typical New Year activities. It is a national holiday and its importance for Russia and its food culture cannot be overstated.
However since Christianity is still the most common religion in Russia Christmas is celebrated on a large scale but not on the same scale as New Year. It is a holiday spent quietly with a family and with some traditions that are related to religious customs. For example some people sing kolyadki traditional pre-Christian songs that are now associated with Christmas.
