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30 Dec, 2006 10:34

New Year's shopping spree underway in Russia

New Year's shopping spree underway in Russia

As most of the world recovers from Christmas festivities, in Russia many are braving high prices and huge crowds to go on their shopping spree. With Orthodox Christmas not observed until January, New Year is the traditional time to give gifts to friends.

Russians are the world's top spenders proportionally, when asked how much of their money goes on their New Year's presents, food and entertainment.

According to a survey, held by “Deloitte” audit company, people in Russia spend about 13 percent of their annual household income on the holidays.

Millions of Russians consider the tradition of New Year's celebration sacred.  And it has a mystery, which repeats year after year. People start their preparations for the event only in the last days of December. Shops are overcrowded with excited buyers, who carry heavy bags, go shopping in cars, and get stuck in huge traffic jams. Their mission seems to be impossible.

The New Year is a time to please and treat your loved ones. And many buy things they can't afford themselves during the rest of the year.

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