Christmas in Moscow

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873-1950) — Russian writer and publicist, twice a nominee for the Nobel Prize; dubbed the «Orthodox author» for his numerous texts on the spirituality of the Russian people. While in emigration, «not for a moment in his spiritual fervor does he cease to think about Russia and suffer from its misfortunes». In Shmelev's works, his good knowledge of urban life, the vernacular, and «attention to folklore» have always been noted. «So, we began to talk about Christmas... Those who have not seen the old Russia have no idea what a Russian Christmas is, how it was awaited and how it was celebrated. Here in Moscow, its sign glimmered from afar, gilding the colossal dome in the frosty night — the Cathedral of Christ the Savior».