For me, New Year has always been associated with snow. The scent of mandarins, a decorated Christmas tree, frost, and frost patterns on the windows. It’s a time of school holidays, gifts filled with candies, and playing on snowy hills, sledding, and skiing.

My parents often took me to New Year’s performances. These were usually costume shows, something like theatre plays. We could dress up, watch a performance, and then dance with Ded Moroz (Santa Claus) and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden). My mom made the most delicious eclairs and pies, and she would leave us at home with my friends, supervised by our oldest friend, while the adults celebrated with their friends. We would listen to music, play all sorts of fun games, and light sparklers. And then, of course, it was time for party poppers!

When we moved to Australia, it felt strange that New Year wasn’t a time of snow. Instead, it was a time of intense heat. It’s the middle of summer, the perfect time for swimming, camping, and completely different traditions.

One important tradition in our family when I was little was decorating the Christmas tree. My dad would bring out a huge box with the artificial tree. We would assemble it together using the instructions. It wasn’t too difficult. A few years ago, when I visited Moscow, I helped my niece decorate the Christmas tree, bringing back some wonderful memories.

What memories do you have of Christmas and New Year? What traditions or memories are you creating with your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, if you have them?