They did not lie to you about Christmas, Argus. Christmas was not an official public holyday until 1992, but New Year was a blast. Unfortunately, I do not have New Year cards of 1940s, they feature Stalin and “Thank you, dear comrade Stalin, for our happy childhood!” comment. Will upload them in good resolution and comment as soon as have some time in hand.
Random thoughts 
Looking forward to seeing them up closer.
Will upload them some time soon
Pleased to present them!
https://raisatarasova.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/exhibition-of-greeting-cards-a-window-to-our-past-part-1-new-year-3/
We were taught that Soviets didn’t have Christmas …
(Nobody considered that people are people everywhere, and not everyone was a card-carrying communist diehard.)
And I fully endorse that previous comment—it would be great to see them up closer~!?
Here they are:
https://raisatarasova.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/exhibition-of-greeting-cards-a-window-to-our-past-part-1-new-year-3/
I have many more and for different, political feasts. Will upload them soon as well
They did not lie to you about Christmas, Argus. Christmas was not an official public holyday until 1992, but New Year was a blast. Unfortunately, I do not have New Year cards of 1940s, they feature Stalin and “Thank you, dear comrade Stalin, for our happy childhood!” comment. Will upload them in good resolution and comment as soon as have some time in hand.