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Well, where in Russia are you going? That's obviously a key question since the weather in say Magadan is going to be very different that the Crimea at that time of year. There are also lots of different things to do and see. I've been several times, so let me know.
Speaking in general terms for travel to Russia, make sure that you have some knowledge of the language and alphabet, especially if you're traveling through the Asian part. You have a much better chance of encountering English speakers in the larger cities (obviously), but even the trains usually lack anyone with a working knowledge of English.
When buying something, don't be surprised to find the clerks trying to make it more difficult for you. In general, Russians are xenophobic about strangers, although once you get past the veneer they can be some of the friendliest people around. I still email people that I met 6 or 7 years ago for a couple of days. I don't do that with anyone I met on other trips (with one exception).
If you're in a big city, especially one with a major university, be prepared to get into political and philosophical discussions with virtually no warning. I was in Ekaterinaburg in 2000 and had a WWII veteran walk up to me and start discussing the coming US election at breakneck speed. My Russian is pretty poor (I'm just not good at languages), and I had a pretty tough time keeping up, but it turned into a 3 hour conversation/tour of the city that was much better than what our hired guide had showed us the day before. He's since passed away, but it was an incredible experience. On my last trip, that happened probably a dozen times over 10 days.
The Russian version of "cheers" is "nasdrovia". Learn it. Live it. Love it. You will say it a lot.
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin
"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo
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