ew Year is the most long-awaited (долгожданный) holiday. Many people associate it with magic and gifts. First of all it is surrounded by the wonderful smell of tangerines and Christmas trees, which helps to create a festive mood (праздничное настроение). People of all ages truly (искренне) believe that in New Year their goals (цели) and wishes will come true.
New Year is an international holiday, but in every country it is celebrated in many different ways (разными способами) and each family has their own traditions. For example, in Australia, people celebrate the New Year on the beach or go on picnics with friends. In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6. Here people believe in the good fairy Befana, who gives stars and gifts for everyone. In Israel, people at on the New Year eat only sweets and avoid bitter (горький) food. In Spain on this day there is a tradition to swallow (глотать) one grape (виноград) for every time the bell chimes (звон курантов) and make a wish.
On New Year my family and I decorate the house and the Christmas tree and give each other gifts, wishing success (успех) in the New Year.