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

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

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.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

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.

 
The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

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.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

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