New Year, nowadays, is the principal winter holiday, as opposed to Christmas. It is universally recognized as such by both secular and
religious people.
The New Year's tree (called "yolka") is identical to a Christmas tree and is decorated in the same way, with ornaments, lights, and garland.
Folklore holds that Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") is charged with the responsibility for delivering presents on New Year's Eve. He is a large,
bearded and grandfatherly man resembling Santa Claus, although he has no saintly identity. He emerges on New Year's Eve with a gargantuan,
overflowing sack of gifts and dispenses them to each family. The actual
procedure of doing this is not a significant component of the mythology.
Instead of elves to help him, Ded Moroz has his grand-daughter Snegurochka ("Snowy"). Snegurochka is generally portrayed as an attractive young
blond girl, often dressed in light winter attire.
Presents are the essential part of the New Year. There is no requirement of waiting until the morning of New Year's Day to open them;
instead, they are usually presented and opened shortly after the clock strikes midnight and the greetings with the New Year begin.
Perhaps one would think that with the observation of such traditions on New Year, there comes a certain solemnity that precludes party-style
celebration. This is not true. In fact, both are easily reconciled. New Year's parties, complete with drinking and dancing, are in fact very
common, especially among young people.
Presents are generally a thing intended to be shrouded in mystery and surprise.
It is a vital element of the present that it is picked out by the person giving it, that it is sincere and comes from the heart.
It is also important to be surprised; advance knowledge of your present defeats the entire purpose. Presents are generally things of quality
but modest in quantity.
It is also a matter of principle that presents retain a fog of mystery. That is to say, it is inappropriate to inquire as to when,
where, and how your present was obtained, before or after receiving it. It is also forbidden to ask about the price. The less you know,
the better, and the more magical it is.
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