New Year
The smell of tangerines, a box of familiar Christmas tree decorations, a kettle that needs to be filled again. The New Year's table is interesting because dishes from childhood and new tastes are found side by side, and behind them are different generations of the same family.
- Date
- January 1–2 is a public holiday; The home meeting often begins on the evening of December 31st.
- Familiar characters
- Ayaz Ata and Akshakar are the Kazakh names of the heroes of the modern New Year holiday.
- Family table
- Descriptions of the Kazakh holiday include Olivier, national meat dishes, fruits and sweets.
History and meaning
In Kazakhstan, New Year is celebrated on January 1–2. The usual secular holiday with a Christmas tree and children's performances spread during Soviet times; The New Year tree returned to public holiday life in 1935. Its winter history differs from the spring renewal that is celebrated on Nauryz.
Home evening is anew every time. For one family, its center is a common dinner, for another it is gifts for children or a conversation with relatives who have come from afar. You can choose the menu, clothes and order of congratulations according to your taste: let there be something familiar in the holiday and at least one new family story.
Customs and table
Christmas tree with stories
Invite everyone to choose one toy and remember where it came from. An old paper lantern may spark more conversation than a whole new collection of decorations, especially if it was once made together.
A wish for a specific person
Instead of a long general toast, you can thank your loved one for one deed of the past year. It is convenient for children to offer a drawing or a short note; Let speaking in front of everyone remain voluntary.
Gift without competition
Agree in advance about who the gifts are being prepared for and whether a general exchange is needed. A book with a personal note, a family photo, or a favorite treat helps make the greeting recognizable without tying it to price.
From festive dinner to long tea
To serve at home, choose a few dishes you really love. Baursaki, homemade cakes, dried apricots and raisins can make up the tea part of the evening; It is more convenient to keep the nuts separately. Don't display the entire stock at once: smaller dishes are easier to update, and empty space on the table leaves room for conversation and gifts.
Guests and hosts
Practical tips for preparation
If you are invited
- Confirm whether you will come with the children and discuss the way home before the festive evening.
- Coordinate the dish brought: it is important for the owners to know whether they will need an oven or space in the refrigerator.
- Give attention to your interlocutor and respect his decision to end the evening earlier than others.
If you are hosting
- Divide the preparation: have one person greet guests, the other help with tea and serving.
- Prepare a separate quiet activity for children and an opportunity to relax before the end of the adult evening.
- Leave water and soft drinks visible; write down the composition of homemade sweets.
Sources and reading
About cultural customs - according to the materials below. Tips for organization - recommendations from the editors.
How to prepare
Divide your purchase into two parts: ingredients for recipes and ready-to-serve items. This way you won’t run out of the necessary ingredients before the holiday.
- First, make a list of recipes.
- Separately, consider small gifts for colleagues or loved ones.
- For a shared plate, mix ingredients together before serving.
For a children's table, choose a serving form that takes into account age and check with parents about allergies in advance.
90 g per guest. Calculator and recipes are available on this page.
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