Russian Recipe for a Happy New Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,
With the kids jingle belling and…

Here in Russia our kids don’t jingle bell, and we actually celebrate New Year and not Christmas, but it’s still the most wonderful time of the year. There are three main ingredients in our recipe for a traditional Russian New Year celebration:

1. A table full of dishes. Must haves are Russian salad, Herring in shuba and Red caviar — with bread and butter or in tartlets.

2. A moment of unity. 5 minutes to midnight, we all watch the presidential address. The President’s speech ends right at midnight, followed by the chime of bells on Spasskaya tower when everyone makes wishes and drinks champagne with the last strike. Then everybody stands for the Russian Anthem.

3. A party all night long! With the last words of the Anthem we go outside, burn fireworks, wish Happy New Year to people we’ve known for years or have just met, give each other presents and promises for a better year. Then we go back to our homes, watch TV, listen to music and dance until the dawn breaks…
Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year!

P.S. The blog is full of New Year surprises — click on links and pictures to feel the Russian New Year preparation/ celebration mood!