Christmas in Russia is different from Christmas celebrated in the rest of the world.
For starters, they are celebrated on January 7, rather than on December 25.
Many orthodox Christians also avoid meat and fish during the 40-day Lent period preceding Christmas Day.
The Lent period ends with the rise of the first star in the night sky on January 6.
That day, many Christians go to the church to attend several long services including Christmas liturgy.
Evening is time for family and friends and sumptuous dinners.
Christmas became official in Russia only after the 1990s with the break up of the union.
The official Christmas and New holidays in Russia last from December 31st to January 10th.
During this eleven-day festive period, Christmas fairs open all over the country in towns and cities.
Photo credit:rodham.livejournal.com
Photo credit: Andrew Gutzkow / TVC.ru
Photo credit: Darya Antonova / IA REGNUM
