Every year, when the snow begins to swirl at the doorstep of winter, I involuntarily dive into memories of my childhood. The moments of waiting for New Year stand out vividly in my mind. It was a time of magic when each day felt long-awaited and full of surprises.

I remember how, a few weeks before the holiday, the house was filled with a special atmosphere. My mom would take out boxes of decorations, and I, with eyes shining with excitement, helped her hang up garlands and decorate the Christmas tree. The green beauty, sparkling with lights, stood in the corner of the room, and its scent of pine filled the air. I always dreamed of mountains of gifts lying under it, and of course, I believed in Father Frost.

Every evening before New Year, I wrote him letters. I tried to be a good girl and always shared my dreams: “Dear Father Frost, I want a talking doll and a new book about adventures.” I left the letters on the windowsill, hoping they would reach him.

The most exciting moment was waiting for midnight. We gathered as a family around the table laden with treats. I eagerly awaited when the clock would strike twelve, and we would all shout together: “Happy New Year!” That moment always felt magical to me — the lights on the tree twinkled brighter, and joy overflowed our hearts.

After the greetings, the most interesting part began — unwrapping the gifts! I remember how I opened each package with trepidation, inhaling the scent of a new toy or book. These were moments of happiness that were etched in my memory for a lifetime.

But New Year is not just about gifts. It’s also a fairy tale that I lived every year. I believed in miracles and hoped for the best. These childhood memories make me happy even now. They remind me of how important it is to believe in magic and find joy in simple things.

Now that I have become a mother myself, I try to pass this magic on to my children. We write letters to Father Frost together, decorate the tree, and eagerly wait for midnight. I hope they will remember these moments as vividly as I do.

New Year is not just a holiday; it’s a time of hopes and dreams. And although we grow older and life becomes more complicated, inside each of us remains that same child who believes in miracles.