Warm traditions and new inspiration: how the New Year workshops unfolded at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The New Year holidays at the National Centre RUSSIA were spent in an atmosphere of creativity and magic. Children and parents created festive decorations together, explored folk traditions and turned ordinary objects into warm family keepsakes. The series of workshops offered guests a truly valuable gift — time to share joyful moments with loved ones.

Christmas tree decorations with personality

The series of workshops began with painting nevalyashka (roly-poly doll) figures. Guests were given the opportunity to breathe new life into a toy familiar since childhood, decorating it with patterns inspired by Russian folk crafts as well as their own ideas. For many, this activity became not only a creative experience but also a chance to recall childhood with a smile — kindergarten games and first favourite toys.

In the New Year workshop space at the National Centre RUSSIA, activities dedicated to creating Christmas tree decorations proved especially popular. Participants learned how to decorate transparent glass baubles, filling them with "winter magic" — miniature branches, berries and decorative elements. Under the guidance of a master, even beginners carefully assembled expressive compositions, and each ornament turned out to be unique. Many came with the intention of making a handmade gift and noted that such a bauble cannot be compared to a shop-bought one: it has personality.

A separate workshop was devoted to Ryazan folk crafts. Guests explored the history of local handicrafts and transferred traditional ornaments onto wooden Christmas tree decorations. They mastered delicate silvery lace-like patterns on a white background in the spirit of Kadomsky veniz, red motifs reminiscent of the work of Mikhaylov craftswomen, and bright berry paintings with "kudrinki" inspired by Kasimov masters. The finished decorations became not only elegant decorative elements but also a sign of respect for folk culture.

The festive table: cosiness as an art

A separate block of workshops was dedicated to the festive table and creating a cosy atmosphere at home. During a table setting session in the à la russe style, guests learned how this approach originated, how it differs from European traditions and why not only the dishes themselves but also their presentation matters. After a short lecture, participants tried arranging plates, cutlery and glasses on their own, striving for harmony and logic in every detail. For many, it was a discovery that the placement of tableware alone can set a special tone for a New Year feast.

The candle painting workshop continued the theme of home comfort. Participants were told about the origins of decorative painting and shown how just a few strokes can turn a simple candle into a striking interior element. Guests examined examples, chose motifs close in mood and painted their candles, following the master’s recommendations. Such items became not only table decorations but also warm gifts for loved ones — with a story that is pleasant to recall on a winter evening.

Traditions brought to life

The workshop on creating New Year wreaths introduced participants to the history of this decoration in Rus’ and its symbolism. This was followed by the practical part: working with natural materials, assembling a sturdy base, and combining fir branches, cones and decorative elements. For many, it was a revelation that an expressive wreath can be made independently, without ready-made kits. An important part of the session was mutual support within the group: participants shared ideas, helped one another, and in the end everyone took home a wreath with its own unique character.

The meeting dedicated to dolls inspired by Russian folk tales was no less warm. Guests were introduced to traditional folk handicraft techniques and shown how the image of a fairy-tale character emerges from a simple pattern and a set of fabrics. Under the guidance of mentors, participants sewed and decorated dolls, inventing names and personalities for them. For some, this became a return to childhood; for others, it was a first experience of creativity and needlework. The finished dolls became symbols of magic, for which there is always room in life.

The current schedule of creative workshops and other events at the National Centre RUSSIA is available on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section.