Across Russia, the New Year season is marked by delightful greetings and events aimed at spreading holiday cheer among families and children. From festive decorations to community activities, this year has shown the warmth and community spirit characteristic of Russian celebrations.
One of the highlights is the "Police Ded Moroz" initiative, which has become a tradition at the Bogoyavlensk station. Officers dressed as Ded Moroz greet passengers at the railway station, as reported by Galina Starilova, the Inspector of the Police at Michurinsk station. She said, “It's always nice to give people positive emotions.” This holiday campaign not only celebrates the festive mood but also reaches out to those who may feel isolated during the holidays.
Ded Moroz, alongside associates themed around winter folklore, has visited various locations, including schools, to engage with children about safety and holiday festivities. During these visits, children happily share poems and songs, receiving sweet treats from their magical guests. This positive interaction leaves both the celebrants and the visitors uplifted, as many leave with smiles on their faces.
Despite the challenges, volunteers from the Orthodox youth club "Voskhozhdenie" are also making significant contributions to the festive atmosphere. Since 2019, they’ve organized free home visits for children undergoing treatment at hospitals and those living in care facilities. According to Elena Baldina, Director of the Center for Volunteer Development "Good Time", these visits help the children experience the magic of the holidays: “The New Year is a true event for every child.”
From December 27 to 30, Ded Moroz and Snegurochka visit families who might not have the means to hire entertainers for their children. They arrive with gifts, listen to children’s stories, and encourage festive games, creating memorable experiences for those who often miss out on such joy. Each visit lasts about thirty minutes, during which the volunteers strive to create joyful moments of connection and celebration.
The Ded Moroz house opened its doors on December 21 and welcomed its first visitors on the same day. Located at Lenin Square, the wooden cottage became a place of joy and excitement for families and children, adorned with colorful lights and festive decorations. Guests gathered to share their wishes with Ded Moroz, who reassured them of the magic and goodness of this season. Visitors could sing, recite poems, and express their dreams as they participated in the festivities.
The charm of the Ded Moroz house is evident, featuring a well-decorated Christmas tree and whimsical decor, enticing both children and adults to partake. This enchanting experience is available until December 31, with specific timings to accommodate families eager to celebrate.
Even at local theaters, the spirit of the New Year was brought to life for families. Children took part in performances like "Umka and the New Year Adventures" and “Gifts of Winter,” which captivated their imaginations. The cozy setup of the theater and the engaging storyline filled young hearts with joy. “We decided to mark the New Year with the magical Umka,” said one attendee, highlighting the significance of such cultural events which provide festive entertainment.
Through these combined efforts, the joyous anticipation of the New Year envelops families throughout the country. Of note is the beating heart of the celebrations, the children, who eagerly share their hopes and dreams during these magical interactions. Ilya, one of the young participants at the theater, recited, “Happy New Year to my homeland, Volgograd,” embodying the spirit of hope and renewal prevalent during this season.
With each passing year, these New Year's festivities continue to remind us of the importance of community, kindness, and the simple joy of sharing joy with one another. The blend of tradition and local creativity during this season showcases how, even amid challenges, the holiday spirit thrives, leaving lasting memories for generations to come.
