Nikita Belykh was given a chocolate letter.

      Former Kirov region governor Nikita Belykh wrote on social media that he had received an unusual gift — a chocolate letter made according to a Dutch Christmas tradition. According to him, he had earlier shared the idea with acquaintances who make chocolate in the Kirov region, and unexpectedly received a "personalized" package.

      Belykh writes that he learned about the tradition from an "older comrade" — a fan of Dutch culture. In the Netherlands it is customary in December to give chocolate letters bearing the recipient's initials — they were once made from bread so children wouldn't mix up presents, but in the 19th century the symbol was changed to chocolate.

      "Today I receive a package, and in it, voilà, chocolate letters! I'll have to share them with my older comrade," Belykh noted. According to him, such a gift can be not only a Christmas present but also "an all-occasion option — inexpensive, yet personal."

      The chocolate letters, according to the post, were made by a Kirov producer of healthy sweets using Jerusalem artichoke and chicory syrups.