One of the most important Slavic folk holidays is Святки (holy days) which in the West are called the “twelve days of Christmas.” In Russian these days are said to stretch “from the star to the water," that is, from the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve to baptism on Epiphany.
“You can't carry your homeland with you on the soles of your boots," French revolutionary Georges Danton told friends when they suggested he flee France shortly before his arrest. You may not be able to take your homeland with you, but you can take your cuisine.