Dear author,
Thank you for bringing back my memories of wintertime in St. Petersburg with it's magnificent architecture under permanently overcast sky, gloomy, solemn atmosphere, biting wind and relentless snow that hurry people to find shelter and warmth. At that time city feels self-reflecting and restraint. But it doesn't mean there is no decorations and festivities , though little different from what many people assume.
Russians are overwhelmingly Orthodox Christians and celebrate religious holidays according to traditional Julian calendar which is 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar , used in Catholic Church. As a result,in Russia Christmas falls on January 7.Russia as a country officially adopted the modern Gregorian calendar on February 14, 1918. Prior to this shift, Russia used the Julian calendar, which was 13 days behind the rest of Europe. To make the transition, the Bolshevik government issued a decree bypassing dates 1–13 February 1918, meaning the day immediately following January 31 became February 14, but Orthodox Church never adopted it.
By the way, weird Russian tradition to celebrate New Year twice each year is too result of the persistent adherence to Julian calendar-after "New" New Year December 31, Russian commonly celebrate "Old" New Year on the night of January 13-14.
I hope these small tidbits help you to create even more authentic Russian atmosphere in your writing.
