Milonov Criticizes 'Secret Santa' Tradition as Alien to Russian Culture
A Russian lawmaker has spoken out against the rising trend of 'Secret Santa' in the country. The deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood, and Childhood called the tradition foreign and damaging to national customs. He urged citizens to reject it in favour of long-standing Russian celebrations instead.
The parliamentarian criticised 'Secret Santa' as a concept with no place in Russian culture. He argued that adopting such practices weakens the country’s heritage and should be replaced by traditional New Year’s customs.
In particular, he warned against swapping domestic holiday figures for Western alternatives. These included characters from Hollywood and streaming services, which he claimed push gender-neutral ideas. His own family, he noted, has always written letters to Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost). The lawmaker also suggested that the trend has spread mainly among young urban residents. According to him, these newcomers to cities often follow social media fads rather than preserving local traditions.
The deputy’s remarks highlight a broader push to protect Russian holiday customs from foreign influences. He called for a return to established traditions, framing them as essential to cultural identity. The statement reflects ongoing debates about the balance between global trends and national heritage.
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