by Vera, age 9, asks Ded Moroz do you carry a magic staff that freezes things?, about the Moskva River, and why Russians celebrate New Year big
Dear Ded Moroz,
My name is Vera and I am 9 years old. I live in Moscow, Russia, where we celebrate Novy God, New Year, with an even bigger tree and more presents than Christmas itself, and my babushka always makes olivier salad.
First, do you carry a magic staff that freezes things?
Second, a geography question: what river runs through Moscow?
Third, a school question about my country: why do Russians celebrate New Year even bigger than Christmas Day?
I left out tea and a small plate of pryaniki spice cookies.
Love, Vera, age 9, Moscow, Russia, Moscow, Russia
From the Desk of Ded Moroz
Dear Vera, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you carry a magic staff that freezes things?
I do carry a staff, and yes, it holds a touch of frost magic, mostly used for gentle things like frosting a windowpane rather than freezing anything important.
What river runs through Moscow?
The Moskva River winds right through the city, past the Kremlin and Red Square, both lit up beautifully with snow on the rooftops by the time I arrive.
Why do Russians celebrate New Year even bigger than Christmas Day?
For much of the twentieth century, Russia’s government discouraged religious holidays like Christmas, so New Year became the country’s biggest winter celebration instead, complete with a decorated tree and gifts. Christmas itself is still celebrated too, especially by the Orthodox Church, which follows a different calendar and marks it in early January.
S Novym Godom, Vera.
Ho ho ho, Ded Moroz
