The difficult period starts Dec. 25 with Western Christmas. This date is new in our calendar. The Soviet government worked hard to erase even the name of Jesus from our memory. So the easiest solution is to throw a Russian party with vodka, pelmeni, and pickled mushrooms and then drink to Jesus. The New Year s celebration is the highlight of the series.
People drink harder and eat more, to the extent that they can t move.
Then again comes vodka, pelmeni, and pickled mushrooms. The most enthusiastic go outdoors and shoot off Chinese firecrackers. The next day family and friends sleep until noon, eat leftovers and drink pickle juice the best remedy for a hangover. Children are on vacation. For some reason mandarins were only imported to the Soviet Union in late December.