According to ancient beliefs, the moment of the New Year briefly erases the boundary between the world of the living and the dead. Miracles happen on this magical night—people dream with open eyes, look into the future, and argue with the devil. And above all, they wait for the star of new hope to light up.
Traditions of fun caroling and stories for the holiday season were supported by many Russian writers, including Gogol, Leskov, Dostoyevsky, and Chekhov. Funny and instructive, sad and touching—these Christmas works will leave you indifferent for sure. After all, on such a night anything can happen!