Did the people of USSR use to celebrate New Year's Eve and Christmas? If so, did they have a culture of gifts or Santa Claus?

by takutataku
LeDurruti

Yes, they did. During the first decade after the October revolution Christmas wasn't that important (even though New Year's Eve was much celebrated). But, in 1935, many Christmas traditions were re-adopted as part of a new secular celebration.

Indeed, they adopted the traditions of decoration of a tree, or "ёлка", festive decorations and family gatherings, the visit by gift-giving "Ded Moroz" (Дед Мороз) and his granddaughter, "Snegurochka" (Снегурочка).

http://moneyramblings.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/soviet-union-greeting-card-with-child-and-santa-claus-happy-new-year-1970.jpg

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