The region’s few Christians quietly celebrate the birth of Christ, singing translated carols and sharing tea and cookies or a meal with family and friends who are believers, while the majority of the population knows little of its meaning. Orthodox believers in the region celebrate according to the Orthodox customs, mainly typical of Russia. In a country that is predominantly Muslim with a history of 70 years of Soviet atheism, Christmas for most Central Asians has no religious content and its celebrations blend with those of the New Year. Plastic Santas are for sale in markets, imported from the West. There is a blend of influences from the East and West surrounding New Year’s. Brightly decorated New Year’s trees look exactly like Christmas trees in other lands. People stay up all night partying on December 31, hoping for a better situation in the coming year. The Chinese zodiac calendar is also observed, with 2010 being the Year of the Tiger, falling on February 14. Under Soviet rule, all religious traditions, be they Christian, Muslim or Buddhist were neglected. Most central Asian countries have strictly limited religious freedom and maintain a close watch over all religions.