Liz Warren | Storyteller

Christmas in Russia is most widely celebrated on January 7th, according to the Orthodox calendar. Some Russians observe two Christmases the first on December 25^th and the second on January 7^th. The Russian Santa Claus is named Ded Moroz, or Father Frost. He brings presents to children to place under the New Year's tree. He carries a staff, wears valenki and is carried across Russia in a troika. 

 

Snegurochka, or the Snow Maiden,  is known as Grandfather Frost’s grand-daughter. She was even on a Russian postage stamp in 1994.

 Valenki are Russian Felt Boots. 

 A Troika is asledge drawn by three horses.