For Russians New Years is much more important that Christmas, which is a purely religious holiday and since the Russian Orthodox Church runs on the old calendar, takes place on January 7th. But New Years does share some of the same traditions that Americans and most of Western Europe associate with December 25th. As a holiday it combines Christmas traditions that were originally outlawed under Communism, celebratory techniques often used to welcome the New Year, and some things that are just Russian together to make something that at first glance would appear to an American like Christmas, New Years, and the Fourth of July all rolled into one, no make it a couple, of days. 

Now for what is a bit different. There are no stockings, candy canes, or Santa and elves at the mall in the Russian holidays, but many parents do schedule an actual visit from Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. In the days leading up to the 31st parents will schedule some actors to come to their house dressed as Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. The holiday characters bid a Happy New Year to the family and Ded Moroz has his sack of gifts, but before the children receive theirs they must recite a poem they have practiced for the occasion. 

On New Years Eve it is traditional to have a big dinner with ones family, in front of the TV. The menu, of course, changes from family to family, but for most people it will include caviar sandwiches, champagne, clementines or tangerines, and olivier salad, a Russian potato salad. For the adults at the table, like New Years celebrations around the world, the dinner involves a fair amount of drinking. And of course as a Russian celebration it would not be complete without toasts. At the dinner people say goodbye to the year that is coming to a close. 

When midnight strikes, it is time to welcome the New Year and wish luck and new opportunities to friends and family with a glass of champagne and sometimes a sparkler in hand. The President always makes a televised speech and then many people head outside to set off fireworks. I am told that at this point it will sound like a war is taking place. After the pyrotechnics the party continues on until morning with more drinking, eating, toasts, and the television as a constant background. It is not that common anymore, but some people do dress up in costumes and go outside to continue the party, happily greeting everyone they meet. 

On New Years Day the celebrating continues. On this day it is traditionally to eat pelmini, Russian dumplings with meat inside and to continue drinking. Since New Years Day is the start of a 12-day holiday for most of the country people may continue the party for a few days, visiting friends and relatives to welcome the New Year together.

Here in Omsk our holiday festivities will also include the ice sculptures and lights the city puts up in a park downtown. I am not sure if this is a very old custom, but it seems to be popular now. In Moscow they have a full-blown Winter Festival from December 25th-January 5th, which I am sure is more elaborate. Our little winter wonderland will open on December 26th. We went down there today and it is starting to look pretty impressive with huge ice sculptures, a giant New Years tree, and lights being strung everywhere. Here is a preview of one of the sculptures, more photos to come.

The weather here in Siberia can be pretty rough in the winter. Andrey and I have been holding out for a nice day with some sun to go downtown and walk around, but then we realized we might be waiting until Spring, so we decided to go for it. 

Where I work, The Omsk State Musical Theater, which is home to the ballet, orchestra, and one of the city's two theater companies.

The view from the theater, a park with a very small church in it. There are many churches in town and they range from impressive Cathedrals to tiny ones like this.

The intersection of the Irtysh and Om Rivers. In 1716 Peter the Great sent a military expedition to explore the area and they build their first fortress here. 

This chain covered in locks hangs right below the cannon. There is a tradition for just married couples to come and put a lock here to represent their love and then throw the key in the river.

Walking back along the river, this sweet statue is situated among the trees. Across the river you can see one end of the main street.

The view as we walked across the bridge towards the old center of town, where most of the businesses used to be located. You can still find a good amount of shopping here, but unfortunately the appearance of mega-malls has taken its toll.

Another one of the city's extremely small, but ornate churches. 

Many of these beautiful buildings were homes in the past, sometimes with businesses on the ground floor. 

Omsk State Drama Theater, home to the city's other theater company. 

Dormition Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Siberia. The original church was blown up in 1935, but the Russian Orthodox Church had it rebuilt according to the original design at the beginning of this century. 

While we were out exploring the city we found Skuratov Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop that is a little over a year old. They have two locations one of which is located conveniently close to my work. I am pretty sure we have found our favorite place to hang out in Omsk. It doesn't hurt that it reminds me of New York.

Skuratov is the only coffee shop in Omsk that roasts its own coffee. They also have a few vegan and gluten free options among their baked goods!

Enjoying a coffee break during our day out in the city.