New Year and Christmas are the holidays that children and adults expect with anticipation. For someone, New Year's gifts are important, and someone hopes for fulfillment of the cherished desire. These days it is common to wish each other happiness, joy and good.

History.After the baptism of Rus, the New Year was greeted twice: on March 1 (according to the church calendar) and on September 1 (secular holiday). But the tradition to celebrate the New Year on January 1 was born thanks to Tsar Peter I. It was he who introduced the decree according to which the chronology was started from the Nativity of Christ, and not from the creation of the world. Following this document, in 7207, from the creation of the world, the Russian people first met 1700 from the Nativity of Christ on the first of January. After that, the chronology was continued for some time in parallel.

One of the reasons, due to which such changes were introduced, was the strengthening of ties with Europe. The temporary difference created considerable inconvenience, with which the tsar committed his decree. At the same time, the ruler strictly watched that the celebrations were no less magnificent than in European countries. He was the first to launch a rocket, and then throughout the night in the capital now and then in the dark sky flames of fireworks flared. In the White-stone reigned universal joy: people sang, danced, gave each other gifts and wished for happiness in the new year.

The custom of decorating the tree was adopted from the inhabitants of Germany. They believed that the spruce is sacred, and in its branches there lives the spirit of the forest, which is the defender of the truth. In addition, the tree is an evergreen tree, therefore it became a symbol of unfading youth, immortality, longevity, dignity and fidelity. And the cones symbolized the fire of life and the restoration of health.

Many traditions were passed from ancestors to descendants, but the custom to drink champagne on New Year's Eve to the chiming clock came to us from Soviet times. In the early 60's the government issued a decree according to which each family was to receive a gift for the New Year - champagne. After that, for Russian people, the New Year was unthinkable without this foamy and sparkling drink.

For three centuries of its existence the New Year has become a favorite holiday for many. Traditions, symbols, signs and customs changed, but every year Christmas and New Year created in families a truly magical and unforgettable atmosphere, gave people joy and hope for a bright future.