December 10, 2021

How to Pick a Christmas Tree Like a Russian


How to Pick a Christmas Tree Like a Russian
Russians take their holiday tree decorating very seriously.  Photo by TJ Holowaychuk via Unsplash

Vladislav Pukharev operates an online shop specializing in Christmas trees (or New Year's trees, as they are called in Russia), and he recently spoke with the website Vechernyaya Moskva to give Moscovites some best tips for selecting their own holiday greenery

Pukharev's first tip emphasized the importance of appearance. A tree should be slender and even in shape with no missing branches. Color is also important; a natural shade of green denotes a healthy spruce tree. 

Another evergreen tip is to consider the height of the tree in relation to your apartment before bringing it back home. An enormous tree is an excellent idea, until you remember that you live in an apartment building built in the Soviet era

To test for the quality of the tree, Pukharev recommends giving the tree a light shake and counting the number of needles that might fall off. For some tree varieties (such as the Russian spruce) it is acceptable for 10-20 needles to fall off the tree, especially if it is stressed (like when you are removing it from the package or bringing it inside your home). But for other tree varieties (like firs and pines), no green needles should fall off the tree. 

Pukharev leaves a final warning to Russians looking to buy holiday trees from unauthorized retailers. Apparently, in Russia, you can be fined for purchasing a tree from a seller who doesn't have the proper documents, and it is even a criminal offense to transport a spruce tree without the proper documentation. Deck the halls with caution, everyone! 

You Might Also Like

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Turgenev Bilingual

Turgenev Bilingual

A sampling of Ivan Turgenev's masterful short stories, plays, novellas and novels. Bilingual, with English and accented Russian texts running side by side on adjoining pages.
Fish: A History of One Migration

Fish: A History of One Migration

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.
At the Circus (bilingual)

At the Circus (bilingual)

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.
How Russia Got That Way

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.  
Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before, during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Murder and the Muse

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.
Chekhov Bilingual

Chekhov Bilingual

Some of Chekhov's most beloved stories, with English and accented Russian on facing pages throughout. 
Survival Russian

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955