E l e v e n days into the N e w Y e a r

And now on a happier note [and I realize this is a bit late]: Happy happy new year everyone! You may not be aware, but New Year's Eve day and its late night celebration are my Christmas. Well, quite literally actually. 

Since the former USSR was a strictly secular country when I was growing up, New Year's Eve was the most glamorous, cozy and exciting night of the year. The morning of, many women would get facials, take long baths and prepare party food for the evening. The gentlemen, as I recall, would buy champagne, take the kids to the park for a bit, and clean the house for guests. 

I recall multiple years taking a nap around 2pm, and not waking up until 5:30, so I'd be able to stay up later. I'd wake up tingling with excitement, take a bath and put on the new party dress bought for the occasion.  I'd welcome family friends as adults walked around in glamorous dresses and edgy suits, spreading cream table spreads on combined tables. There would be a Christmas tree with a plethora of presents, music, dancing, champagne and I'd get to stay up past 4 in the morning.

So as a keepsake from my childhood, I take waving farewell to the old year and welcoming in the new one really seriously.