New Year’s Day is a family holiday for many Russians. Dinner usually starts late on December 31. Traditional meals include Russian salad, herring and sparkling wine. A pre-recorded address by the country’s president appears on TV, listing the achievements of the past year, at 11.55pm (23:55) local time in each of Russia’s time zones. Many people watch his address and raise a toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock. The Russian national anthem begins at midnight and people congratulate each other and exchange presents. Some people go out to make a snowman or light fire crackers in their backyards.
People may celebrate the day at a friend’s house or attend the fireworks in their city. Celebrations for children include a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, who gives presents. Grandfather Frost often comes with his granddaughter, Snegurochka (“The Snow Girl”). As things quieten down later in the day, many people visit their friends or relatives. Another tradition is to wish a “Happy New Year” to passers-by throughout January 1.
New Year’s Day is a family holiday for many Russians. Dinner usually starts late on December 31. Traditional meals include Russian salad, herring and sparkling wine. A pre-recorded address by the country’s president appears on TV, listing the achievements of the past year, at 11.55pm (23:55) local time in each of Russia’s time zones. Many people watch his address and raise a toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock. The Russian national anthem begins at midnight and people congratulate each other and exchange presents. Some people go out to make a snowman or light fire crackers in their backyards.
People may celebrate the day at a friend’s house or attend the fireworks in their city. Celebrations for children include a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, who gives presents. Grandfather Frost often comes with his granddaughter, Snegurochka (“The Snow Girl”). As things quieten down later in the day, many people visit their friends or relatives. Another tradition is to wish a “Happy New Year” to passers-by throughout January 1.
1. She said that she was very busy and had not been in the theater for a long time.
2. I was sure I told you that I had received a letter from her.
3. I was surprised that you hadn't told them that you were going to go to Dover.
4. I thought that you would read in the newspaper that the delegation had already arrived in Moscow.
5. He promised to tell you that I had already returned and I wanted to see you.
6. She was afraid that you would say you could not help her.
7. I knew he felt that I was not satisfied with the results of his experiments.
8. I was sure that he had already heard that we had returned from the south.
9. He said that he would send a telegram if he did not receive news from his brother.
10. Robert said his wife was still in hospital and he was going to see her in the evening.
11. Our guide said the bus had just arrived and would leave for Glasgow in an hour.
12. Your mate told me what was the matter, and I think I can help you.
13. She said she was very busy and had not been in the theater yet after the holidays.
14. The teacher said that we had to repeat all the rules if we wanted to pass the exams well.
15. My friend promised he would get some books on this subject as soon as I began to work on the article.
16. She thought that the weather would be good the next day.
17. We heard that you were free and decided that you could help us.