From: Rosa
To: Lizzie
Subject: Season's greetings
Dear Lizzie,
A what about you? How are you spending New Year's
Eve? Whatever you are doing, have a wonderful time. I wish
you and your family a Happy New Year.
B
We are very busy at the moment. Dad is doing the last
minute shopping. Mum is making a special dish, fried baby
eels. They're delicious, honest! Aunt Betsie is making tea for
everyone and Grandma is doing the gardening. Clara and Steve
are doing the washing-up. Steve's also washing the grapes for
tonight. In Spain, it's good luck to eat twelve grapes at
midnight on New Year's Eve! As for the twins, they are making
the decorations. They are excited. Spanish people call New
Year's Eve Nochevieja, which means the old night. This is
because the 31st of December is the last night of the old year.
How's everything back in NY? I hope the weather isn't
too cold. Here in Madrid, everyone is getting ready to celebrate
New Year's Eve. The shops are full of people. They are buying
presents and food. Council workers are decorating the streets
and making preparations for tonight's celebrations in the Plaza
del Sol.
All the best!
Rosa
New Year’s in Russia is celebrated on December 31 and it is probably the most exciting holiday of the year. Russian New Year’s traditions are quite specific and differ from most of the world because in our country New Years is more popular than Christmas. Christmas, on the other hand, is celebrated on January 7, not on the 25th of December. Russian Orthodox Church uses the 'Julian' calendar for religious celebration days, which is why the date is different.New Year is a family holiday, celebrated usually at home in a circle of close relatives and friends. Preparation for the holiday begins in the middle of December. People carefully plan their celebration and buy presents. Almost every family buys a New Year fir tree, which stands in the corner of the room and is decorated with glass toys, sweets, and garlands.In our country, New Year is a public holiday, during which most companies and offices are closed. Also, every city has special New Year’s celebratory events - concerts for kids, performances, different holiday fairs. The streets are decorated with fir trees and lights.On the 31th of December most of the people start the celebration around 10 pm. Everyone gathers at the table to remember the outgoing year and its happy moments, to discuss future plans and tell each other best wishes in the upcoming year. New Year's dinner usually includes Russian traditional dishes: Olivier salad, dressed herring, sparkling wine, and tangerines. An irreplaceable part of the New Year's celebration is a special president’s speech, which begins 5 minutes before midnight. It is about the events of the year, achievements and hopes for a better future. When the clock strikes midnight, people start to toast with champagne and wish each other “Happy New Year”, while listening to the national anthem.
Спасибо за твое письмо и пожелания на Новый Год! Я рада услышать от тебя. Что у тебя планируется на канун Нового Года? Чем бы ты ни занималась, желаю тебе отлично провести время. Желаю тебе и твоей семье счастливого Нового Года.
В письме ты рассказываешь, как все твои близкие заняты в настоящий момент. Папа делает последние покупки, мама готовит особое блюдо - жареные младшие угри. По ее словам, они вкусные! Тетушка Бетси готовит чай для всех, а бабушка занимается садом. Клара и Стив моют посуду. Стив также моет виноград для сегодняшнего вечера. В Испании принято есть двенадцать виноградин в полночь на канун Нового Года - это считается символом удачи! А близнецы занимаются созданием новогодних украшений. Они взволнованы. В Испании Ночь Нового Года называется "Ночевьеха", что в переводе означает "старая ночь". Это связано с тем, что 31 декабря - это последняя ночь старого года.
А как обстановка в Нью-Йорке? Надеюсь, погода не слишком холодная. Здесь, в Мадриде, все готовятся отпраздновать Новый Год. Магазины полны людей, они покупают подарки и продукты. Сотрудники муниципалитета украшают улицы и готовятся к сегодняшним празднованиям на площади дель Соль.
С наилучшими пожеланиями,
Лизи