Christmas Trees In Tashkent

It's the season and the fuzzy cones are out and about in Tashkent. Sort of. Celebrating Christmas in a post-Soviet, Muslim country is a muted affair and the green tree is more associated with a New Year's blowout. Capitalism creep means the tree is back for Christmas or, might as well let it preen for both holidays, the whole season.

Ho hum. Just stake a tree, zero decoration, benign neglect. "Hello? It's the holiday season? I hadn't noticed."

Putting the little in a little cheer with a tiny fake tree at a street vendor spread. Upcycling? A restaurant knows how to whet customers' thirst with its bottle tree. Needs a little filling in at the bottom. Drink up!

Another undecorated tree, this time with Santa sporting clown shoes and mittens, pushing coca-cola.

Government, corporate minimum requirement decorating. "We have zero budget this year, just do something!"

The metro stations get trees. And dwarf Santas, a lot creepy.