"The most extensive New Year celebrations in Russia occur on December 31st/January 1st. Fireworks and concerts mark this holiday. It is on this day that the Russian Santa, or Ded Moroz, and his companion Sengurochka visit children to pass out gifts. What those in the West would call a Christmas Tree is considered a New Year's Tree in Russia....
This New Year is considered the “New” New Year because [it] began to be recognized after Russia made the switch from the Julian calendar (still recognized by the Orthodox Church) to the Gregorian calendar followed by the West. During the Soviet period, the New Year was celebrated in place of Christmas, though Christmas has been regaining importance as a holiday once again.
Russians welcome the New Year by saying “S Novim Godom!” (С Новым годом!)"
In honor of this tradition, we headed over to the Stepanov residence after the kids' naps on New Years Eve. We played and listened to music and had a feast of traditional Russian salads, caviar (Jenya's favorite), and plov (a rice dish consisting of carrots, onions, and meat). We then exchanged presents and because of the kids' bedtime, we headed home and I tried to ring in the New Year, only to head off to bed around 10:30pm...Better luck next year!
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