In ancient times in Russia people celebrated New Year in March or in other spring months when nature was awaking after winter.
Later New Year was celebrated on the 1st of September after all the works in field were over.
The first time it was celebrated in winter , 1700.
Peter the Great told everybody to celebrate New Year on December, 31st (at night).
He was visiting rich people himself wishing everybody “Happy New Year!”
Houses were decorated with fir branches and other different things, people lit candles…
The Christmas tree appeared in each house.
In the 4th century ,in Asia, there lived a priest. He was very old and clever and he helped people. His name was Nicolay (Nicolas). After his death he was considered to be Saint.
Since then every time when somebody had a present, people said that it was given by Saint Nicolas. People pray to him when they are ill.
Great Ustjug is an ancient town in the North of Russia. It was founded in 1147 and saves russian traditions and culture. More than 10 Saint men lived here. Saint Prokopii is the patron of this place..