Quote Originally Posted by iamjames
No there is a huge difference in Xmas and New year.
To Americans probably, but not to Russians.
It is just an excuse to celebrate (usually involving some serious drinking)
And since we have 10 vacation days now (from 1st till 10th of January), the celebration lasts from 25-th of December (Catholic christmas) till Jan 14-th (Old New Year). Then we suffer from a major hang-over for a month
Then comes 23-rd of February (Homeland Defender's day), then comes March 8th (Women's day), then we anticipating May celebrations (May 1st and 9th - the Victory Day), and then - June 12th (Independence day). From then we get back to work and struggling through the rest of the year waiting every moment till we can start celebrating again. To compensate our lack of holidays during that period of the year most of us take vacations in summer and early Autumn.
I think it's a part of our curse We love celebrating everything. Just give us an excuse for not going to work and we'll be happy

Add to this birthdays, weddings ... even funerals... and I'm sure you'll get the picture.