New Year: My Favorite Celebration

New Year is my favorite cultural celebration for many reasons. In Russia, the New Year holiday lasts for about ten days, starting on December 31st and continuing until January 10th. This extended holiday gives people time to relax, visit family, and enjoy festive traditions. One of the most important parts of the celebration is the food. We prepare traditional dishes such as Olivier salad, Herring under a Fur Coat, and baked duck. Also, the whole family takes part in cooking, which makes it a special experience. The atmosphere is magical because of the sparkling Christmas lights, the smell of fresh pine from the New Year’s tree, and the sound of the Kremlin chimes ringing at midnight. We also have a tradition of watching the president’s New Year address, which brings a sense of unity across the country. In addition, children enjoy celebrations at schools and kindergartens, where Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden give them gifts. Although I currently celebrate New Year in the U.S. with my new friends, I would love to celebrate it in Russia with my family. Overall, New Year is a time filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful traditions that make it my favorite holiday.