The editors of “MK” made friends with the Snow Maiden and the dragon

The Year of the Wooden Dragon is coming very soon. But before, our country did not know about the oriental symbols of the year and even almost lost the tradition of decorating the New Year tree. In the first years of Soviet power, Christmas trees were practically banned; the New Year was considered a frankly bourgeois holiday. The relaxation was made only towards the end of the 1930s. At the same time, the production of the first Soviet Christmas tree decorations began: these were bright red balls with images of leaders, a hammer and sickle, five-pointed stars and other similar symbols. Nowadays, balloons are sold on every corner and with any images, and Santa Clauses and Snow Maidens can be called to your home.

So “MK” decided to call the Snow Maiden to our readers! And today this magical role is played by the well-known Ksenia Novikova from the group “Brilliant”. She happily answered our questions and talked about the traditions in her family.

— What did our Snow Maiden dream about as a child?

— I believe in miracles and recommend them to everyone. From early childhood I dreamed of becoming a pop singer. Since my childhood was still in Soviet times, for us pop artists were some kind of celestial beings. And what they were doing seemed so incomprehensible and inaccessible. It was completely unclear how to get into this world and how to become an artist, but there was a great desire to make it happen. And then fate provided me with an opportunity when life circumstances began to develop in an interesting way that led me to my dream.

— Which New Year was the most unusual?

— Strange as it may sound, for me the most unusual New Year is if I suddenly find myself at home on the 31st. Nothing has changed in my life since I was 11 years old, when I, as a member of the “Class” group, performed in front of the audience on New Year’s Eve. Later – with the group “Brilliant”, then I had a solo career, and then I returned to “Brilliant”, but nothing changed – I was again on stage on this magical holiday, with my beloved audience. There have been exceptions in my life several times: the recent pandemic and the birth of my children. These years I was at home and felt strange. It was unclear to me what to do and where to run. I love my family very much, but my best New Year is moving from set to set, to my favorite viewer.

But in the first days of January we always meet with the whole family: mom, dad and children. My brother arrives with his family, and we all meet at a large table. For me, it’s a tradition to listen to old Soviet films, such as “The Irony of Fate” or “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession,” to meditatively cut salads and set the table.

— Do the Snow Maiden’s children get something special for the New Year?

“Children always get theirs.” Children now are a little different than they were before. They clearly know what they want to receive as a gift, order it in advance and prepare for the holiday. I love my children very much and I can’t help myself, and even if the children don’t deserve it, they still get their gift.

— Does the Snow Maiden believe in horoscopes?

“I don’t deny that, of course, the order of stars and planets in which we were born plays a role. And all this affects us, but I never mindlessly follow horoscopes. I never adjust my life to what I read somewhere or someone said. I don’t like forecasts and especially don’t strive to get them for myself for the future, because you can confuse reality with unreality and adjust your life to what someone told you, based on the vision of your life.

— What kind of Christmas tree does the fairy-tale character have and how do you decorate your nest?

— There are three Christmas trees at home. One is large, in the living room, which we decorate together. We decorate our single space: living room, kitchen, dining room and staircase, as well as all rooms. And there are also two green beauties. Bogdan puts one tree in his room, and Miron puts the other one in his room. We divide the toys exactly in half and take this process very seriously. If someone gets more toys, they will be upset, so I count the toys. And, of course, they already hang the garlands themselves to create a cozy atmosphere in the room.

— How does the Snow Maiden choose gifts?

— I love both receiving and giving gifts. I usually buy gifts throughout the year, and in principle, this has nothing to do with the holiday. I saw it and took what I liked. And then I take out a gift from the “red bag” for the desired event. But sometimes I can’t stand it and give a gift on the same day, so I have to buy a new one.

—Have you ever been to the Snow Maiden or another fairy-tale character during the holidays?

— In kindergarten it was always honorable and solemn when they chose who would be the Snow Maiden, but I was always a snowflake. And then one day in the preparatory group they entrusted me with this role. I was so happy, my joy knew no bounds. And how much I cried when I got sick on the eve of the holiday! My role was played by another girl, so my dream came true only in adulthood, when Moskovsky Komsomolets asked me to please the readers and for a moment feel like they were in this magical role!

– And finally, the final word from the Snow Maiden!

— In the New Year, I want to wish all people peace, kindness and love for each other. And, of course, drive away evil from yourself. There is already so much bad in the world, and if we are all a little kinder to our neighbors, then I believe that the world will become a better place and life will become easier and more fun for everyone.

Published in the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” No. 29189 dated December 29, 2023

Newspaper headline:
Our Snow Maiden is the dragon’s friend