With the new year rapidly approaching, Russians appear to be gearing up for the celebrations with enthusiasm, as highlighted by the latest survey results from Bank VTB. According to the survey, about two-thirds of Russians (67%) have already decided where they will celebrate New Year’s Eve. The survey, conducted between December 20 and December 24, also noted significant engagement among families, with 44% of respondents discussing their holiday plans with loved ones.
Despite the excitement, many Russians still have outstanding tasks to complete before the festivities begin, with only 30% reporting they have wrapped up all of their work obligations. A majority of the population plans to celebrate the arrival of 2025 at home, either with family (57%) or as guests (15%).
Preparations are well underway, but time is short: only 29% of those surveyed have managed to decorate their homes, and even fewer (27%) have started shopping for holiday groceries. Only about 32% have bought gifts for their loved ones, and just over one-third (36%) have picked out outfits for the celebrations.
Some Russians are also planning to travel during the New Year holidays, with 36% indicating they intend to do so, and 24% already having purchased tickets. Many will visit relatives (15%) or explore other cities for leisure (9%), with only 2% intending to take their holiday celebrations abroad. The most popular domestic travel destinations are expected to be major cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Ural region.
The survey painted interesting financial insights as well. Those planning trips expect to spend between 30,000-100,000 rubles, according to 34% of respondents, showing readiness to invest significantly for enjoyment during this festive season.
Meanwhile, the economic outlook for Russia is cautiously optimistic as it ends 2024. The ruble has demonstrated some recovery against foreign currencies, with the dollar hovering just below 100 rubles and the euro approaching 105 rubles. Traders are capitalizing on this slight strengthening, though indications of instability remain present due to various geopolitical and economic tensions.
On the commodities front, oil prices are stabilizing with Brent crude remaining above $73.6 per barrel, and gold is showing upward movement, concluding the year above $2,600. This buoyancy is seen as positive for export-oriented economies, signaling steady demand even amid fluctuated economic contexts.
A noteworthy development on the public health front is the new nanotechnology-driven selenium supplement developed by researchers from the North Caucasian Federal University and their Iranian counterparts aimed at combating widespread selenium deficiency affecting over one billion people globally. The study, backed by the Russian Scientific Foundation, aims to integrate selenium nanoparticles at safe levels within common foods like milk, potentially boosting public health significantly.
Reports from the university highlight the successful synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, which not only maintain the taste and nutritional qualities of milk but may also encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, making the food product healthier overall. "The supplement will help protect the population from selenium deficiency," stated Alexander Serov, professor at the North Caucasian Federal University, emphasizing the importance of this development.
Local initiatives are also on the rise, with significant programming planned for children during winter holidays, especially across Orenburg, which boasts over 300 events aimed at engaging students through various activities—no small feat considering the majority of schools will be closed from December 30 to January 8.
This commitment to providing enriching experiences aligns with broader community goals, as many local governments prepare to support families through festive events, providing entertainment and educational activities.
The community response to the year-end festivities and health initiatives suggests resilience and adaptability as the nation navigates through challenging times. From holiday plans to economic forecasts, there is much for Russians to look forward to as they bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year with cautious optimism.
