In Russia, New Year's is celebrated more than Christmas, and of course their Christmas is on January 7 and pretty much denotes the end of the holiday vacation. For New Year's, however, many of our traditions are the same. It's a time to gather with family, to exchange presents, and to celebrate with family and friends. 
Most communities will have ice sculptures and ice castles in their central square, and Ulan-Ude and Izhevsk are no exceptions. However, in Izhevsk, it has been exceptionally warm (for winter) until recently so they're a little behind on their ice-building. These pictures are from Ulan-Ude. I believe I might have mentioned that it was quite cold in that region so their building was proceeding apace...
There are the usual rounds of holiday parties as well, which is always fun! I owe special thanks to my wonderful colleagues in the Sociology/Philosophy/Anthropology department, who have been generous, kind and always helped me to learn more about our discipline and life in Russia. The University is in session all this week, but those of us in the International dorm will have our own Christmas Eve dinner tonight. Hannah and I will host a small "Xmas/farewell party" tomorrow night as on Friday it's off to Moscow, and then to Greece! 
So to all I wish a very Merry Christmas, from a gal in odd booties with her SVD-7 (which she can't shoot as noted in previous post), and a Happy New Year! I present one last poorly done video, to acknowledge the upcoming destination as denoted in a recent movie ... See you all in the New Year, much love, Meredith
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