The pirog is quite capable of holding the flag as the most important dish in Russian cuisine. It is a filling, generous, and hearty meal, containing all the major food groups (vegetables, animal protein, grains, and bread) rolled up in one.

In this week's Odder News, stay out of the elevator, be careful where you ice skate, and Ivan Urgant says goodbye to 2021 in grand fashion.

"Since I am also a lawyer, I can act as an attorney for Father Christmas, and remind the plaintiff that Father Christmas fulfills wishes and gives gifts only to good girls and boys. Let him analyze his behavior and, perhaps, find something that has prevented Father Christmas from presenting him with gifts for the New Year holidays. This will be the main line of defense."

–  On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to defend Father Christmas after a St. Petersburg lawyer sued the gift-bringer.

A holiday survey detailed Russians' preference for gift-receiving.

A granddaughter of Father Christmas who is blonde, slim, and very kind? This year’s Snow Maiden doesn’t seem to fit the bill.

A delightful Soviet winter tale about children, a big holiday tree, and the true meaning of Christmas: communism.

A Russian tree retailer lends some tips on how to land the perfect spruce you've been pining for. 

Ever wonder about the ideal police officer every Russian citizen dreams of? Look no further!

A thoroughly incomplete list of ways to scratch your Dostoyevsky itch ahead of his 200th birthday.

For one month only, the Russian Museum is celebrating the life of Fyodor Dostoyevsky with a 200th birthday exhibit.

Last week, Russian children gathered for the Day of Knowledge on September 1. It is quite the spectacle.

How does Baba Yaga celebrate her special day? Head to Yekaterinberg to find out.