If you get one Russian-themed Christmas book for you child this winter, get Uncle Vova's Tree, by Patricia Polacco.

This book, probably most appropriate for children 5 and up due to its length, is a sad but sweet story of the Russian Christmas traditions of Uncle Vova and his wife, Svetlana, as they practice in their home in North America.

All the traditions are in this book - the... more

All holds are off! It's the day after the day after the day after THanksgiving and my enthusiasm for all things Christmas can finally be loosed!

Whoo hoo! Merry Christmas!

I have to work up the enthusiasm because honestly, without it the Christmas season can be a bit wearying. It has been that way for the past several years - ever since my lovely husband has become an artist on our county's open studio tour. The first two weekends in December he's been out of commission - at a local Bed and Breakfast all day long, selling his photographs. I don't begrudge... more

I'm writing about a great book that I have: The Heart of a Family: Searching America for New Traditions that Fulfill Us, by Meg Cox. Although this book seems to be out of print, I think it's a valuable book for families to know about. Traditions and rituals help give a family identity and this seems particularly important for families created by adoption. Cohesion and attachment to the family unit are valuable commodities.

Since Thursday and its accompanying turkey feast is coming fast, I thought I'd mention some suggestions the author gives for this... more

In my last post I talked a little bit about how, growing up, I didn't have a whole lot of traditions in my family. Sure, we had the turkey on Thanksgiving and a Christmas tree and cakes and presents on our birthdays (which is, I know, a whole lot more than a lot of people have and I'm thankful for it) but we didn't have any family rituals or long-lasting customs that I've carried over to my own family.

I've thought a lot about this, and a couple of years ago (probably about the same time that my first son was born) I started to figure out how I could... more

I come from a secular American family. This means that while we celebrated the traditional American holidays we never really went above and beyond. We weren't a family that reveled in tradition or customs, and there was very little we did just-because-we-do-it-every-year. We also moved a lot and didn't live near our extended family, so that piece of the puzzle wasn't there, either. Don't know what difference it would have (realistically) made if it were (except maybe more tension). All I know is that it was something I didn't have.

When I met my husband one thing I was fascinated by was that although his nuclear family is small (and not very close, I should add), his extended family... more

If you live in the DC area you are in for a treat this winter. Two great cultural activities are happening in your neck of the woods.

First, the Russian-American Kids Circus will be at the Weinberg Center on November 24:

About Russian-American Circus The Russian-American Circus has been thrilling families on stages around the country for more than ten years. The company combines the artistry and magic of the circus with the rich and time-treasured tradition of European theatre. These stunning performances are a unique combination... more

Okay, okay, I know Christmas is more than a month away.

And I know you're already sick of overwhelmed by the Christmas decor you see in all the stores, the Christmas music on the radios, the Christmas catalogs that come daily in your mailbox...

You can hate it, or you can embrace it.

Me, I've chosen to embrace it.

All this early Christmas marketing is encouraging me to get my Christmas shopping done early, so when it's December I can sit back and enjoy myself! At least, that's what I hope will happen. I've... more

The first day of school in Russia is traditionally September 1st, and it's a pretty big day for everyone involved. Except for the teary-eyed parents of kindergartners here in the U.S., or the rejoicing parents of 2nd graders (that would be moi), we don't raise a lot of hoopla about the first day of school.

Not so in Russia. They have much hoopla going on for this special day!

This blog entry gives a good description of a traditional 1st day of school celebration... more

What used to be the most important communist holiday in Russia has now become a day to go to the country and work in the garden. At least that's what I've read. Apparently, despite massive protest marches by communists and atheists in the larger cities, the average person treats is much as the average American treats our labor day: as a day to relax and do anything but labor...in the workplace, that is.

Here's what some of the protestors did (from VOA News):

Tens... more

I have to interrupt my alphabet glossary briefly to present two recipes for Russian Easter Cakes. Easter is a BIG holiday in Russia, second only to New Year's, and I'd be remiss if I missed it. First, I should mention that orthodox Easter is not this coming Sunday, it's next Sunday, but since the majority of Americans (religious or no) celebrate Easter this Sunday I am talking about it now).

I mention these recipes today, two days before (unorthodox) Easter, because Pashka needs to be made at least... more