Russian New Year Through Mixed-Language Reading This mixed-language text helps English speakers learn Russian vocabulary naturally by introducing common Russian words in a familiar English context. New Year in Russia is the most important праздник of the year! Every семья prepares for this celebration weeks ahead, decorating their дом with гирлянды and putting up a beautiful ёлка. Children write письма to Дед Мороз asking for подарки. On December 31st, families gather around a большой стол filled with traditional dishes. The main блюда always include салат Оливье, бутерброды with икра, and холодец. Everyone watches старые фильмы and waits for полночь to hear the куранты на Кремле. At midnight, people open шампанское, make желания, and shout "С Новым Годом!" The celebration continues all ночь with фейерверки lighting up the небо. Many Russians don't sleep until утро, visiting друзья and having fun on the улицы of their город. Key words: праздник = holiday семья = family дом = house гирлянды = garlands ёлка = Christmas tree письма = letters подарки = presents большой стол = big table блюда = dishes полночь = midnight куранты = chimes шампанское = champagne желания = wishes ночь = night фейерверки = fireworks небо = sky утро = morning друзья = friends улицы = streets город = city