In 1980s Moscow, Christmas (January 7) was largely overshadowed by New Year’s celebrations, as the Soviet Union had downplayed religious holidays in favor of secular ones.
New Year’s Eve was the main festive occasion, with families gathering for a special dinner, enjoying traditional dishes like Olivier salad, and celebrating with Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden). Christmas itself was quietly observed by some religious families, often with private church services or small home traditions.
Despite the restrictions and censorship of the time, these parties were a rare opportunity to indulge, to be merry, and to briefly escape the rigidities of Soviet life. Here below is a photo set from Alex Razbash that shows a New Year party of a Moscow family in 1983.
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