New Year used to be the main celebration of the year back to Russia. Actually, It was the only celebration , which united everyone in joy, and hope, and happiness. It's always been a magic night. It still is.
We have a big Russian community here in Cleveland OH. We keep the traditions of New Year celebration here in Cleveland, too. I am really happy to extend the best wishes for New Year to all my friends, clients, colleagues, partners, no matter what cultural background they have and what community they belong.
Some people like to attend big parties, some people perform in funny home made and home staged plays, some enjoy warm and joyful family gatherings. No matter how and where you celebrate a New Year, let 2010 be a prosperous, successful, happy year, full of fun, friendship, love and good deals!
According to Russian Orthodox tradition we celebrate Christmas on January 7th, that's why most of the Russian families still keep our Christmas trees decorated and lightened. As Christmas was kind of a prohibited holiday back in the USSR, people used to call the Christmas tree a New Year tree.
Happy New Year to all of you, my friends! С Новым Годом!
Svetlana, Thanks for the interesting facts about Russia. Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Beautiful picture, Svetlana! My mom was from Berea and my dad was from Parma. I went to school back in Strongsville before we moved to Indiana.
I visited Russia with some teacher colleagues in April 2006. I loved the people and the culture. Where did you live?
Happy New Year!!!
Svetlana: What a great look... the fireplace looks so warm and inviting... really great. And your story about celebrating New Years in Russia... I could just picture you making that day a special one. Thanks for sharing it with us.
January 7? Is that the Twelfth day of Christmas?
Happy New Decade! Merry late Christmas!
My Christmas decorations are often still up on January 7, too -- not by design you understand.
And pardon me, State of Ohio, but:
Go, Ducks!
Gary - Happy New Year to you, too! I hope, it will be real good for our business.
Bruce - I'm very glasd that you liked Russia. I was born and raised in Siberia and then lived in Moscow for almost twenty years before our family moved to Cleveland. Happy and prosperous New Year to you and your family!
Karen Anne - Thank you so much for your nice words. Have a very Happy New Year!
Jim - Happy New decade to you, too! It's actually a fourteenth day of Christmas. That's how Gregorian and Julian calendars differ. Russian people still honor the Old New Year :) on January 14th. That's a New Year by Julian Calendar.