Russian Christmas

An Unusual Christmas Eve Three years ago today (yes, January 7, not Dec. 25) it was about 10 degrees F. at midnight (yes, not in California) and I experienced an unforgettable Christmas Eve. One never to be repeated, but always cherished. You may have already guessed that I was in Russia, where Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7. The holiday is centered on the birth of Christ (what a concept!), and the churches are full in spite of the freezing temperatures and the mid-winter darkness. As it turned out, I was welcomed into the festivities of Nina and Volodya…