January
We celebrated New Year’s Eve Russian style at a party with my family. New Year’s Eve is the biggest holiday of the year in Russia. Russians couldn’t celebrate Christmas during the Soviet Union so New Year’s Eve became huge. There is even a version of Santa Claus that comes on New Year’s Eve named Father Frost. My parents love New Year’s parties, and we usually do it big (once, they organized a party in a clubhouse where 400 people showed up). This year, we went to a party at one of their friends’ houses, and it was so much fun. The party included dancing, a massive amount of food, contests, and many, many toasts. I am slightly disappointed we are missing it this year, but we are going on a cruise so I can’t complain too much!
In February, my younger brother turned 18. That still blows my mind. There is nothing like having a younger brother to make you feel like an old fart.
March
March brought another Russian party with International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is popular in many places in Europe (and other places in the world). It is similar to Valentine’s Day, except men purchase gifts for all the women in their lives—wife, daughter, mom, grandma, and even teachers they respect. It’s a fun tradition, and my mom usually likes to host a girls’ night for her Russian ladies. We also got a little snow! It usually just ices here so it was fun to take the dog out and play.
What a fun linkup!!!! Blogging is the best way to see how busy the year was, right?
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of International Women's Day!
ReplyDeleteRachel, I love it too! It is so fun to celebrate all the ladies in my life. :)
DeleteGreat post- That's a good idea to do a year in review! Here's hoping to another fabulous one for the both of you! xo
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great start to the year! It's so cool to learn about those Russian traditions - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWe're celebrating NYE this year Russian style too at a Russian restaurant in Jersey lol!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about Russians and NYE. I'm also loving International Women's Day. Great post! Very informative!
ReplyDelete~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
Your NYE celebrations sound like a lot of fun!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun idea!!!! Love yearly recaps like this! That NYE picture is so perfect!
ReplyDeleteThe Russian festivities sound fun! I love to celebrate big on NYE!
ReplyDeleteooh I like the sound of International Women's Day :)
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to go to a huge New Year's Eve party, but I never have. I usually just end up hanging out with my family or a couple of friends. Your tradition sounds so much fun! Maybe not as fun as a CRUISE, though!
ReplyDeleteI love this link up idea, and I'm also totally obsessed with your NYE dress!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I think that I may have to linkup on this with yall. :)
ReplyDeleteMandie ~ http://badbrewpack.blogspot.com/
That is really neat about New Years -- I did not realize that it was that hugely celebrated in Russia! Sounds like each month brought something wonderful for you :D
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of both a huge New Years party (opposed to my typical New Years off movies and comfy pajamas) and the International Women's Day!
ReplyDeletei need to convince all the men in my life to celebrate International Women's Day!
ReplyDeletealso your new years looked so fun!
I am always so glad I blog too as yeah, if I don't write it down I don't remember it it feels like! So nice getting to know you, so glad you linked up. Sounds like you went to some awesome parties!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved reading this because I learned things I didn't know which makes it all the better. I didn't know you couldn't celebrate Christmas during the Soviet Union years. That's crazy and a party with 400 people... WOW! That's awesome but wow! Now I want to attend a party like this just to experience it!
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