Christmas! What a wonderful time of the year. People are decorating their houses with lights and ornaments, and many other Christmas decorations, but of course the main decoration in every house is a Christmas tree. Oh what a wonderful decoration, which brings the miracle to every home. People full of joy and happiness, are running around trying to get the best presents for their family and friends. Everywhere you go, you can feel the holiday spirit, what can be better!?

Have you ever wondered what is it like in Russia or Ukraine during Christmas time? Well, I am going to tell you right away that you are going to be surprised how different it is.

Let’s start from the actual Christmas date in Russia and Ukraine, which would be January 7. Wow! Wait a minute… Why is that? During the crusades of 11th, 12th and 13th century Christianity was separated into two parts western catholic and eastern orthodox. Russia and Ukraine falls onto eastern orthodox part, and according to Julian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7.

The most exciting part of Christmas in America is gift exchange. Oh my goodness! After month of crazy shopping and holiday preparations it is finally the long-awaited moment. Oh how fun it is to unwrap those beautiful packages after waiting for it so long.

Russian Christmas is a religious holiday, usually people in Russia and Ukraine do not exchange gifts on Christmas. It is celebrated in churches and very religious families. In modern Russian families celebration of new year day plays a big role, which compares to Christmas in America. Preparations are alike, decoration of streets and houses, buying of presents and big family dinners. Russians have their own version of Santa clause, they call him “Ded Moroz”, which means grandpa freeze. According to the story “Ded Moroz” has a granddaughter “Snegurochka”, she helps her grandpa to deliver presents to kids.

Regular scenario of new year's eve celebrations is family and friends getting together around 8pm-9pm. Everybody dresses up to look their absolute best. All night, they eat and drink and watch concerts on TV. Whenever it is five minutes until 12, every channel is broadcasting new year's greetings from the current president. After the loud cheers of “happy new year” and the clinking of glasses with champagne, everybody goes outside to watch fireworks. You can actually shoot off fireworks by yourself. There are no laws prohibiting it. After that, everyone continues to eat, drink and be merry.

So if you want to surprise your lovely lady with a wonderful gift, you would want to make sure your gift is delivered by New Year's Day. Everything depends on the character and tastes of your lady. Hopefully by now you know what you girl likes. Or you can ask her yet ;)

I congratulate you with the holidays and wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! May the new 2012 year bless you and your families with happiness, health, success and of course love. May there is always peace and understanding in your lives.