In the USSR, New Year trees were a traditional attribute of the New Year celebration. Usually, trees were installed in public places, such as city squares, parks, cultural and entertainment centers, as well as in schools and kindergartens.
The trees were decorated with colorful garlands, balls, toys, mosquitoes, candies and nuts, as well as various stars on top.
Different regions of the USSR had their own traditions of decorating Christmas trees. For example, in Moscow, on Red Square, the Christmas tree was decorated with more than 5,000 lights and with decorations in the form of the Kremlin, and in Leningrad, the Christmas trees were so large that they were installed on several levels and they were decorated with figures of New Year symbols, such as Snegurochka and Father Frost.
New Year trees in the USSR were not only a symbol of the holiday, but also a place for various festive events, such as concerts, performances and ice shows.
Of course, New Year’s holidays were (and are) one of the most beloved and long-awaited holidays for children. Schools and kindergartens always held special New Year’s trees, which began with decorating the tree and ended with a fantastic performance.
It was a great joy for the children to participate in decorating the tree – with paper garlands, pompoms, butterflies and cut confetti. Teachers were involved, as well as parent volunteers, to make the tree as beautiful and bright as possible.
At the celebration, children were dressed in bright costumes, participated in activities, dances, games and songs. There were also competitions, quizzes and prize drawings. Traditionally, Ded Moroz and Snegurochka were at such events.
In addition, a traditional part of the New Year’s holiday is treats. Under the loud sound of music, children received their holiday bag filled with sweets, fruits and toys.
Against the backdrop of long-term shortages of goods and low wages, holiday packages were perceived by children and their parents as gifts from the depths of the heart, and visually reflected the presence of social justice. Everyone wanted to see their child at the New Year’s party, and the holiday tree became the best place where parents could see their children in a happy, bright mood.