The secret glass, Bayan Budyonny and the gramophone: how to celebrate the New year, the leaders of the Soviet Union

Stalin could not tolerate imported gifts, and Khrushchev were the guests drink to excess.

Anyone who grew up in the Soviet Union, easily remember publicized illustration: Lenin surrounded by cheerful kids stands with a kind smile near the decorated Christmas tree, and even leads them in a circle.

These pictures were printed on postcards and in books — a collection of short stories and poems "Lenin and children", for example. Through these images many have the impression: Lenin on New year necessarily suited for children as the Christmas tree and participated in the fun. This opinion was fixed and the story of Alexander Kononov "Tree in Sokolniki".

In fact, Lenin was usually not until the holidays. He worked a lot. On the other hand, grew up in a noble family, Vladimir Ilyich loved the Christmas holidays with mandatory fir-tree decorated with toys and garlands. Possible, and in fact he arranged for the kids Christmas tree with gifts, but he hardly took part in them, as it drew Soviet artists.

Stalin celebrated the New year, but from time to time. In the second half of the 20-ies of the New year was recognized as a "clerical holiday". People were forbidden to decorate Christmas trees, to dance, to lay festive tables and congratulate each other.

Bourgeois habits sought to eradicate the most radical methods, in the villages went active citizens and checked: and suddenly behind closed doors, someone secretly welcomed the New year? You will not believe it, but tried for it! The most difficult in the country in time for the New year and Christmas — from 1929 to 1935. Frightened people were afraid to even think about the holiday, New year, no one met, not to mention Christmas. And 31 December and 1 January are no different from other working days.

Back to the people the right to celebrate this holiday only at the end of 1935. As for the "great leader", and he, like Lenin, most often these days just worked in his office. However, tell that on the eve of 1945, Stalin decided to celebrate. His cottage was gathered a large company: 25 men and only one lady — the wife of Palmiro Togliatti, leader of Italian Communists.

Celebrated no waiters, but the table was set rich. The owner of the garden gave a short toast as soon as the chimes began to strike midnight. Soon the atmosphere was really warm: Stalin lit a cigarette, all communicated with each other, got up from the table, then began dancing to the gramophone, but the lady only had one, so the dancing ended quickly.

But all listened for a long time, like Budyonny played the accordion well-known motifs. When he was tired, again, wound up the gramophone and sang along with the records. Walking to three hours a night. Later, after the war, the celebration had gradually become widespread. First official reception in the Kremlin, which summed up the year. Then all moved into another room, to the serving tables, and in front of them were the best singers and artists.

At home Stalin wanted to see the decorated Christmas tree: it was answered first, his wife, and later nurse children. If celebrated in the country, the Christmas tree dressed guards of the leader, first carefully inspecting every toy with a firecracker. During the home party all exchanged gifts, with Stalin sharply condemned the selection of gifts imported. Most often drank Georgian wine — it Stalin was always in excess.

Initially, Khrushchev celebrated the New year quite modest and simple: he or Malenkov was going colleagues, including in the Presidium of the Central Committee of the party, together with their wives. Talked toast, congratulated each other, drank a bit and ate, and in the morning went home.

As time went on, Khrushchev felt that his position as head of the country was strengthened. Then the holiday began to look different: Nikita began to roll receptions in the Kremlin.

In addition to the party leadership, who invited famous writers, actors, artists, and military leaders, diplomats, designers. Invited "ordinary" people — well, not quite simple, as something distinguished, for example, advanced production. Before gathered in different years was danced by Maya Plisetskaya, was made by Arkady Raikin...

Contemporaries of Khrushchev, who had been at the feast, said to withstand them was not easy, because all generously poured, and kept drinking. Some guests were not prepared for such libations, and soon they were simply carried from the table to bring to life.

Himself Nikita providently drank out of a special glass: it looked normal in size, as all, in fact it was placed no more than 30 grams. The volume concealed skillful carving and thickened bottom wall. So compared to other Khrushchev was always comparatively sober and cheerful.

But Leonid Brezhnev for a long time ceased new year's feasts in the Kremlin. He believed that this is purely a family holiday, and celebrate it with the family, no loud celebrations. But Brezhnev established tradition in a big way to celebrate 8 March, 1 may and 7 November. These days held receptions.

And in the eve of the New year the Secretary-General gave the reins to his wife, Victoria Petrovna: she watched that preparing for the festive table in the kitchen, supervised the arrangements. However, complicated holiday meals like stuffed pike or cakes brought them already prepared, with a special kitchen, where he worked experienced professionals.

On the feast were often personal friends of Leonid Brezhnev — Andropov, Chernenko, Ustinov, and their wives. Many did not drink — people were already elderly, were limited to champagne and a small amount of "Bison". But a lot and sang at the table — mostly wartime songs. For too long these holidays didn't last — after an hour of the night, guests go home.

When the change first came Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, and then Konstantin Chernenko, no special celebrations they were both by that time was already old and very ill people, it was not before the holidays.