All-Russian Ded Moroz from Veliky Ustyug arrived at the National Centre RUSSIA on World Children’s Day

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A warm pre-holiday meeting between children and the All-Russian Ded Moroz from Veliky Ustyug took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on World Children’s Day on 20 November. The event was organised by the Movement of the First ahead of the all-Russian initiatives "New Year Tree of Wishes" and "Russian Children’s Ded Moroz" — a large ecosystem of good deeds for children and adults across the country.

The country’s main winter wizard arrived in Moscow directly from his residence to speak with the children in person, answer their questions and present the first gifts. The children asked him about life in Veliky Ustyug, magical transformations, his personal preferences and preparations for the upcoming holiday. Ded Moroz noted that people still preserve their faith in magic.

"Despite scientific and technological progress and our age of digital technologies, nothing changes in your hearts. You remain kind and wonderful people who believe in miracles. Both little ones and adults — all of you are the same to me. I love you all," he told the guests warmly.

The country’s main winter wizard highly appreciated the initiative of the Movement of the First in organising and running the "Russian Children’s Ded Moroz" campaign.

"The main aim of the initiative is to bring joy and say 'thank you' to those who must work during the New Year holidays while everyone else celebrates with their families. And I am glad to see a young generation of my wonderful helpers growing up. I trust them and share my magical fairy-tale power with them. On New Year’s Eve, no one should be left without a present, good spirits and wonderful magical wishes — not even those who, unfortunately, will have to greet the New Year away from home," explained the ancient wizard.

He also noted that the "New Year Tree of Wishes" initiative, which has been held in Russia for several years, helps create a festive mood: "The New Year Tree of Wishes is one of the most wonderful New Year miracles. With every snowflake of my frosty soul, I thank those who can truly help children whose lives, unfortunately, are not easy. For these good deeds and kind actions, my dear ones, you have my deepest gratitude."

At the end of the event, the winter wizard reminded both children and adults that great miracles begin with small steps.

"Start with tiny steps — and you will not even notice how your life fills with light. The main motto of my New Year fairy tale is 'Do good'," concluded the wise winter wizard.

After the meeting with Ded Moroz, a press conference was held in the "Space of Opportunities" at the National Centre RUSSIA, officially launching the all-Russian project of the Movement of the First "New Year Tree of Wishes".