On Dec. 31, thousands of families in Israel who immigrated from the former Soviet Union celebrated Novy God (Russian for New Year’s) — a secular, civic Russian holiday that marks the start of the new year. The first toast of the night includes a traditional Russian blessing that is followed by the main event, a festive dinner that includes zakuska, an offering of caviar, seafood, various Eastern European sausages and charcuterie. After dinner people watch the Russian president’s traditional message to the nation (some really do not enjoy hearing President Vladimir Putin speak, but tradition is tradition), followed by a second toast that includes the New Year's blessing. Subsequently, people watch old films, play special children's games and, of course, exchange presents that are placed under the yolka, a festively decorated fir tree. The children are told that Ded Moroz (Russian for Grandfather Frost) brought the presents together with his granddaughter Snegurochka (the snow maiden in Russian folktales).
For 25 years, since the large wave of Russian immigration in the 1990s, immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel have celebrated Novy God, perceived in Israel as the Russian version of Christmas. While it is quite common in Israel to celebrate the civic new year with a big party, a decorated fir tree and the Russian version of Santa Claus who brings presents have caused this holiday to be vilified in Israel.
