For everyone of these cases, there were a thousand other ones which represent a cherished Christmas moment. Sure, these sorts of things happened, but they didn't necessarily dampen Christmas for everyone else. Most people played by rules different to the ones played by members of the Estonian malev, and consequently didn't end up in trouble, but a thankful in hindsight that they lived in a AID-s free, conservatively-minded yet highly intelligent Estonian republic that knew what was what in spite the general lack of openness. These days when you speak to people of the ills of everyday life, they always make a point of saying that that sort of thing didn't happen during Soviet times. So put that in your sack of Christmas goodies!

Kalle packs a lot into his brief comment. He presumes that the state has every right to interfere with private ceremonies and celebrations and hints that this is in the price of living in an AID's-free, conservatively-minded society.
I wonder what he means when he says that "Most people played by rules different to the ones played by members of the Estonian malev..."? Sounds like a euphemism for saying that most people cowered in the face of tyranny -- which, in Kalle's words -- is a "general lack of openness".
The disordered and spiteful tone of Kalle's comment sounds just like Maxim. We can be sure that there will be no merry Christmas for him because he'll be alone in his embittered confusion. Santa can't cheer him up. He just might be better-off with a visit from a exorcist on Christmas Eve.

Tere kõigile ja häid Pühi. I note with some sense of regret that no-one has come here to take my place,and all argument has literally disappeared from this site. In any case, I'm sure you'll deal with it in your own way, because you cannot silence good opinion forever. Or maybe in Canada you can-who knows for sure. All the best to everyone! Maxim.

This Christmas tale reminds me of a story my sister told me whilst on the way to a funeral. She was visiting Estonia in 1985 for Christmas. After shopping, where the only items worth giving, were available from the shop for foreigner at inflated prices, for Christmas presents for relatives, she arranged for a Christmas dinner at the Viru hotel (all foreigners had to stay there). Our relatives arrived and all the group was happy and cheerful. Then they went tothe room where the Christmas dinner was set out. But the staff were horrified and "Nyet, Nyet ..........", and told her very angrily that Estonians were not permitted to eat at the Viru Hotel. on accompanying my sister after the other relatives had left, my auntie went with her to her room to freshen up before going out to seek another venue. Her visit was interrupted by the maid barging in the room and hurling abuse at my Auntie. I always think of this recollection of Christmas in Estonia in 1985 as a genuine Soviet-style Christmas welcome from one tovarisch to a foreign visitor and their family.