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
