In Russia they call Christmas Po ectbo. The feast of
St.Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 and Christmas Eve is on
January 6.
The favorite meal is Kutya
which
is a speical porridge.The porridge is made of wheat berries or other
grains, honey, and poppy seeds. Then they throw the porridge on the
ceiling. According to the legend, if the porridge sticks on the
ceiling there will be a lot of honey harvest that year.
On Christmas Eve the priest comes to a house to bless it. Boys carry a vase of holy water. The priest takes the vases of holy water and spirnkles it in the rooms of the house.
In the 11th
century, Santa was called Prince Vladimir, Santa Claus, Babouschka,
Grandfather Frost, and St.Nicholas of Myra. Babouschka would just
bring gifts to the little children at their homes. Like the story of
Babsouchka that failed to bring food and shelter to the three wise
man during their visit to Jesus.