Ded Moroz's Birthday
November 18 · Level 4 · #1346 of 2238
Even the person who brings presents gets a birthday. This modern celebration honours Ded Moroz, Russia's traditional New Year gift-giver, and is especially associated with his residence in Veliky Ustyug. It offers families an early taste of the festive season.
How it is celebrated: children make birthday cards, drawings and letters. In Veliky Ustyug, performances, games and appearances by fairy-tale characters bring visitors together to congratulate the birthday guest of honour.
Letters to Ded Moroz usually ask him for presents. His birthday turns that familiar exchange around: children send the winter gift-giver good wishes and gifts of their own.