Thread: Christmas Greetings

In England, and other countries, a Christmas card will usually contain the message 'Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year'
Is the Russian equivalent anything other than 'с новым годом', as this is only a reference to new year.
(Apologies for my ignorance!)

Originally Posted by Sudlow

In England, and other countries, a Christmas card will usually contain the message 'Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year'
Is the Russian equivalent anything other than 'с новым годом', as this is only a reference to new year.
(Apologies for my ignorance!)

In the Soviet Union times Christmas was oficially non-existent and apparently at least two generations of people grew up in a very secular society. The New Year became the main and central celebration... (In fact, importance of the New Year celebrations probably goes deeper in history, I believe it was Peter the Great who ordered to celebrate it).
However, now a lot of people turned towards religion or at least to its symbols, not to mention the businesses exploring every opportunity, so you can see Christmas cards all the time. Basically, you have a choice of a New Year card, a Christmas card or a combined one

Thanks for the explanation.
How do you wish someone a merry Christmas and a happy new year in Russian?

С Рождеством! - Merry Christmas!
С Новым Годом! - Happy New Year!

Mikem: It is true that it was Peter the Great who ordered to celebrate it.
And Black Mage is right too that
С Рождеством! - Merry Christmas!
С Новым Годом! - Happy New Year!