Ever wonder what Christmas celebrations are like in another country? We did! That is why this December we are going to be studying Christmas celebrations in different cultures for our Christmas countdown. We are calling it the 12 Days of Christmas Around the World. Today is day 3, and it’s all about Christmas in Russia!
The 12 Days of Christmas Around the World
Day 3: What is Christmas like in Russia?
Verse of the Week
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
First Things First
- Read Isaiah 11
Christmas in Russia
Russia is one of the coldest countries in December. In fact, nearly half of it’s land mass is uninhabitable–it’s THAT cold. This may be one reason they are replacing the celebration of Christmas with the celebration of winter.
While Christmas is viewed as a religious holiday in Russia, it is celebrated on January 7th. Russia’s Winter Festival, on the other hand, starts on December 25th and lasts through January 5th of the following year.
If time allows you may also want to watch the famous Christmas ballet from Russia, the Nutcracker!
Books About Christmas in Russia
- The Tale of Baboushka by Elena Pasquali and Lucia Mongioj
- Uncle Vova’s Tree by Patricia Polacco
- Babushka and the Three Kings by Ruth Robbins and Nicolas Sidjakov
- The Miraculous Child by Alvin Alexsi Currier and Nadja Glazunova
Copywork to Share
- Copy the following Bible verse onto some Christmas stationary, and share it with a friend or family member as an early Christmas present.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 (NIV)
Christmas Math
- Play this Christmas Tree Logic Game
Craft
Want to participate in the entire 12 Days of Christmas Around the World? You can check out all the posts rights here on the 12 Days of Christmas Around the World home page. Be sure to pin it while you are at it so you can refer back to it year after year!
