Many Russians still decorate with a real Christmas tree, but they often keep it hidden away until the Old New Year arrives. A survey conducted by socialbites.ca in partnership with Avito Services reveals that more than half of respondents, 56 percent, maintain this tradition. The tree makes a late appearance as the calendar moves toward January, rather than being displayed from the moment December ends.
In the same study, 10 percent of participants admitted they remove the tree immediately after Christmas, while 12 percent wait until after the January holidays to take it down. The seasonal display lingers for some into February, when 16 percent still have a live tree, and by March the number falls to 9 percent.
Looking further ahead, the period from April to May sees only a small share, about 2 percent, continuing to showcase a Christmas tree. Within this shrinking group, younger adults aged 18 to 24 are the most likely to keep the decorations up for a bit longer, accounting for roughly 4 percent. Analysts note that by summer, and even into the next New Year, ownership of a live tree drops to around 2 percent.
The majority of households, about 63 percent, opt for an artificial spruce this year. Among those choosing real trees, 25 percent make that selection. Nearly one in five, or 17 percent, report handing the decayed tree over to recycling services. Representatives from the platform note that demand for recycling and disposal services has risen by about 29 percent across the country this year, reflecting growing awareness of sustainability during the holidays. These trends illustrate a diverse approach to festive decorating, balancing tradition with practicality and environmental considerations.
In related family traditions, the well known figure skater Kamila Valieva recently spoke about how her family marks the New Year, offering a glimpse into how celebrations are shared across generations in Russia. The discussion highlights how holiday rituals can vary from one household to another, even within a single culture, and how these customs evolve with changing times and urban living patterns. The survey results and public narratives together paint a picture of careful planning, seasonal rhythm, and the continuing role of holiday symbolism in daily life.