Let it snow?

One of the great characteristics of Russia is its brutal winters. Around the world the country is renowned as a white world of fluffy snowflakes, deep snowdrifts and all kinds of winter entertainments, such as skating, skiing and perhaps a sip or two of some spirits. Yes, Russia is certainly a land dominated with images of snow. So every single foreigner that decides to visit Moscow in the wintertime expects to see these fairytale frosts - and is disappointed if the skies fail to deliver. One English film director planned to shoot snowy scenes in Moscow in November, but I was forced to persuade him to wait as recent years have delayed the onset of winter. Some blame global warming, others say it was the collapse of the Soviet Union, but whatever the reason, we seldom see much before New Year's Eve these days.

This apparent warming trend, which has even hit Russia, means that the only enduring evidence of the upcoming holidays is in the decorations lining our streets and buildings. The natural decoration of snow-bound boughs and twinkling snow-flakes have been replaced with the blinking lights of decorations and advertisements.

I don't mind it, but it would be much nicer to see the two worlds merge.

Thirty years ago, for example, the weather was completely different. On the 7th of November, people tested their endurance while taking part in communist demonstrations on Red Square. Their adherence to the party had to be displayed despite the regular snowfalls and heavy rain. Winter sports enthusiasts hailed the end of November as the start of the skiing season - is it possible to ski today? Today's weather is completely different. Winter assumes its full power in February, not November, and its modern rages steal into springtime and ending in a quick, muddy thaw.

I don't feel confident enough to make any predictions about the weather; but this year the spirit of New Year seems to be encouraged by nature as well as our decorations. The snowfall last weekend is a good sign for an atmospheric winter ahead. It can suggest a dull spell of cloudy skies, but snow has a way of creating a special ambience in the city. Recently, Moscow was adorned with huge Christmas trees. More than a month before the holiday it seemed quite strange. But when a thin layer of snow draped the city in white, New Year appeared to be closer.

While an early dose of holiday spirit is great, the first flurries of snow brought traffic to a standstill. Travelling around the city becomes a struggle. What can we expect from the authorities this winter? Every year Muscovites end up stuck on snowbound roads, or shivering on delayed trains, while the people in charge claim to be ready for everything. Every year we suffer the same gridlock on the roads, and find the metro even more crowded as people seek shelter from the elements above ground. For all my criticisms, foreigners are usually impressed at how well Moscow copes: similar snows in London last week brought England's capital to a slushy standstill while Moscow managed to stay on the move.

Wrapping up this column, I suggest that we should welcome winter in our hearts, as the city authorities do their best to create some holiday warmth. Despite the technical problems, the traffic jams and the sometimes awkward decorations, this time of year makes us feel that we are part of one of the snowiest countries of the world - and ready to enjoy some of the warmest New Year traditions.

By Daria Chernyshova