It has been fairly quiet around here. There was a ‘rocket attack’ around 8:30pm, but it was over the bayou which is remarkably sensible [must be visitors]. One odd thing that just surfaced as I was thinking about how quiet it has been, is that I don’t remember seeing any of the fireworks tents that usually take over the space that had been occupied by the Christmas tree sellers. I don’t even think I’ve seen any fireworks in stores that have already shifted to Valentine’s Day.

CBC reports that Netflix has a download to con kids. It is a three minute cartoon that features a count-down to midnight to convince the gullible rugrats that it’s time for bed because they made it to the New Year. That’s pretty lame, but then as a rugrat I could outlast any adult when it came to staying awake.

That’s Grandfather Frost [Дед Мороз] and he is the Russian ‘gift giver’. He is assisted by the Snow Maiden [Снегурочка], but ever the jolly, fun-loving people, the ‘gifts’ are a bit different. Threats of coal or sticks would be weird to a people who are trying to stay warm, they would consider them welcome.

Generally there are sweets, maybe salo [salted fatback], and other high energy food.

For the ‘naughty’ list there is the staff. You don’t get beaten, merely touched, which turns you into a popsicle. [I told you they were fun-loving.]

Tonight’s the night – you’ve been nice, right?

Note: There is no picture of the Snow Maiden because this is a ‘family blog’ and when the Soviet Union became Russia et al. the budget for her costume was greatly reduced as yards of fur and silk disappeared.