Some words about Chrictmas Well, today's the Christmas day which is going to finish here but for many people who's really going to celebrate it's just beginning. Why have I noticed "who's really going"? There are some reasons, historical mostly: There is an official day of Christ's birth which is on 25th of December in Catholic church. Most of people in US and Europe follow Catholic and Protestant traditions and celebrate it in this exact day. Vatican follows this date because it accepted Gregorian calendar which was offered by pope GrigoryXIII and missed 13 days. But in Russia and some other countries Orthodox church follows Julian calendar and ain't going to admit modern calendar. But if it continues we will celebrate Christmas on 8th of January instead of 7th. That sounds strange but the date of birth of Christ isn't the same for all Christians. Sad but true. The second notice is that the most wanted festival of year in Russia is New Year. It happened because of communists who fought against of Church and banned all religious celebrations like Easter, Christmas and so on. People continued to celebrate them but in secret. But main celebration was required so new USSR power decided to promote New Year which was celebrated not so wide as Christmas. Therefore there were created and adapted for new reality old traditions to decorate fir and to dance in a ring round this fir. Like main sign as New Year tree main character appeared rather two characters: Ded Moroz and Snegurochka who's aim was to represent this celebration and to give gifts. Nowadays most part of small Russians wait for gifts from Ded Moroz (every child in family has to get a gift from both Ded and parents, moreover both gifts should have equal worth) every year and all adults wait for this day because they connect all their dreams and desires with new year. That's human nature to live with hope in better future and New Year is like a one more chance to reach dreams. When I was a child I longed for this celebration whole year to realize my dreams. In the kinder garden I visited Ded Moroz came every New Year Eve and we were expected him. He came, he was cold (I think man in costume spent about 5 - 10 min outside to become colder and be more realistic) and he gave us presents. In turn we should read the verses we had learned before. That was cool. In summary I want to say it doesn't matter when and how you celebrate Christmas, more significant you remember and open your mind. Marry Christmas!