HI Rainy.... Thanks for posting, as I am sending up MANY Prayers for D & L right now!!!
I spent Christmas in Moscow (2004), and while I was NOT allowed to visit my DD (court was already done, and Christmas fell on a Saturday), her orphanage REFUSED to allow ME, her MaMa to come visit her.... Weekend, and WE only allow PARENTs/Relatives to visit.... EXCUSE ME..... I am her parent!!!! Anyway, I hired a translator and driver to get me out of the Hotel, and spent Christmas Day at Red Square, GUMs (highly over rated - IMHO), watching the changing of the Guard at the Tomb, riding the subway, etc. My family was affraid that I would be very sad being in Moscow by myself, and NOT being able to see DD. I had to take a photo of me out and about (date stamped of course) to prove I left the Hotel (hehehehe).
Even without being able to see DD, This Christmas in Moscow was one of the most wonderous!!
Blessings.......................