The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th, in accordance with the old Julian calendar. But the Feenstras, while Christians, do not belong to the Russian Orthodox Church, and so they celebrated their first Christmas in Russia as they always did in Canada — on December 25th.

And what a Christmas it was! I was able to grab some screen shots from the YouTube video of the occasion — that photographer never seems to have a day off! — to share with you.

It looked as though many days of planning and hustle and bustle went into the preparation for the big day: cleaning, stringing outdoor lights, hanging styrofoam snowflakes, attaching an endlessly long garland of greens to the indoor stair rail.

And then the baking, cooking and candy-making began. With everyone participating as always, the Feenstras prepared enough food to feed a small town for a week: turkeys, potatoes, fresh vegetables of every color, tons of rolls, bowls of prepared dishes . . . and a dentist’s dream of a dessert table. How many people were actually expected? And who were they?

Well, the video didn’t say who they were, but they seemed to be speaking English for the most part. More recent arrivals from the West? Quite likely, as the Feenstras have apparently become the unofficial (or perhaps official) Welcome Wagon for other English-speaking transplants to the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Which would explain that kitchen. While it was still a lot of work, even with a half dozen helpers, all of that baking and cooking was certainly made easier by top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a huge side-by-side refrigerator, a five-burner gas stovetop, wall oven, a first-class electric mixer, the proper utensil for every job, and banquet-length concrete countertops and a dining table and chairs enough for a regiment.

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Now, I have been honored to visit families in Moscow: professional people, mostly, but certainly not wealthy. And without exception, they were incredibly welcoming and hospitable, and spared no amount of effort in preparing wonderful home-cooked meals for me. But not one of them could have imagined ever having what the Feenstra family has acquired in such a short time . . . nor could they have afforded it, or the amount of food it took to feed that army of guests.

And why has it all been possible for this simple emigre family? Because, sadly, the Feenstras have become propaganda for the Putin government. Which means that whatever they need, they get, whether it’s the materials to build their huge home for their huge family, or a van large enough to transport everyone, or the best medical care. As long as they toe the line.

So yes, a very merry Christmas was had by all, and I’m glad of that. I just have to wonder how long it will take for the novelty to wear off and the reality to set in.

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And one other thing I found myself wondering as I watched the video. If I’m wrong, I apologize in advance to Anneesa Feenstra — I certainly do not mean any disrespect. But it looks to me, from this shot in the kitchen and the second one taken at their “Year Of the Family” awards ceremony, as though she may be expecting Little Feenstra No. 10.

If I’m right, then there will be the complex question of citizenship. Since the parents are not yet Russian citizens, the child will not (as I understand it) automatically be granted citizenship. Will he or she be able to claim Canadian citizenship? I presume it then becomes a question of Canadian law, which could become sticky.

Or perhaps Putin will simply sign another decree, changing the citizenship laws to accommodate the Feenstras.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/3/25