Russian Christmas traditions As you know most Russians don`t celebrate Christmas on December 25, but instead do so on January 7. Christmas day is an official holiday in Russia. It follows on the heels of the New Year holidays which are also days off. While for many this long period of winter holidays is the time of revelry and lots of delicious food, religious Russians are observing the 40-day fast. It ends on the evening of January 6th,the time known as Christmas Eve. Many years ago , one of the most beloved traditions took place on Christmas night.After breaking the 40-day fast family , people used to stay up all night ,walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. The Christmas night begins a period known as yuletide,a time for yuletide fortune-telling). Young girls would try to read fortune in tea leaves, mirrors, candle wax, barn noises and so on. Many Russian classical authors wrote stories about Christmas and its customs. One of the most beloved stories is Gogol`s fairy tale( Christmas Eve or the night before Christmas) . It starts with the devil stealing the moon, two drunks getting lost in the snowstorm, and a beautiful girl making an unreasonable demand of a courages and handsome young man who adores her. But it all ends as things end on Christmas.The good ones are rewarded.