FACTBOX: New Year’s key traditions reviewed

January 1, 2026

TL;DR

The tradition of decorating Christmas trees is linked to biblical myths and ancient German Yule festivals.
Early decorations consisted of natural items like apples and nuts, evolving to include gingerbread, paper, and glass ornaments.
The tradition spread from Germany throughout Europe and eventually to America.
In Russia, decorated fir trees became popular during Peter the Great's reign, with the tradition adapting through Soviet bans and revivals.
Original decorations held Christian symbolism, with apples representing the Tree of Knowledge and candles symbolizing purity.
Glass decorations emerged in Germany after an apple crop failure in 1848, revolutionizing Christmas tree adornments.
Electric lights first appeared on Christmas trees in the U.S. in 1895 and in Finland in 1906.
During the Soviet era in Russia, the Star of Bethlehem was replaced by a five-pointed red star.
Gift-giving traditions are believed to have originated with the ancient Romans.
Fairy tale characters like St. Nicholas and Grandfather Frost are the primary gift-givers associated with Christmas and New Year.
St. Nicholas evolved into various figures like Pere Noel, Papa Noel, Babbo Natale, and Sankt Nikolaus.
Russia's Grandfather Frost is accompanied by Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden.

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