Did you forget to write a letter to Santa for Christmas this year? I ‘ve got great news for you: Russian Grandfather Frost (Де́душка Моро́з) is still accepting mail (more on essential Russian words for New Year’s here). So, let’s practice letter writing in Russian together and get some wishes out into the universe. We all can use a bit of magic (and penmanship) this year.

Greetings

It’s important to start your letter with a cheerful and polite greeting like:

“Здра́вствуй, Де́душка Моро́з!” [Zdravstvuy, Dedushka Moroz!] – Hello, Ded Moroz

“Дорогой Де́душка Моро́з и Снегу́рочка!” [“Dorogoy Dedushka Moroz i Snegurochka!”] – Dear Ded Moroz and Snegurochka

Since letters to Ded Moroz are less formal than business letters or official requests, it’s not necessary to address him as “Уважа́емый” [Uvazhayemyy] which has a very serious tone to it. Write “Уважа́емый Дед Моро́з” [Uvazhayemyy Ded Moroz] only if you are sending him a business proposition or a complaint.

Note that it’s normal to use exclamation signs in Russian greetings where English speakers would put a comma.

Introduction

Now, tell him a little bit about yourself, your hobbies, your city, etc.

Меня́ зову́т … [Menya zovut …] – My name is …

Мне … лет [Mne … let] – I’m … years old

Я живу́ в …. [Ya zhivu v] – I live in …

Я учу́сь во второ́м кла́ссе [Ya uchus’ vo vtorom klasse] – I’m in second grade

Я люблю́ рисова́ть/чита́ть/танцева́ть [Ya lyublyu risovat’/chitat’/tantsevat] – I like to draw/read/dance

Practice Gratitude

Make sure to write about the good things you did this year and ask about his life too. This might also be a good time to thank Ded Moroz for your present last year.

В э́том го́ду я получи́л(а) хоро́шие оце́нки в шко́ле [V etom godu ya poluchila khoroshiе otsenki v shkole]– This year I got good grades at school

Э́тим летом я помога́ла ба́бушке с де́душкой в огоро́де [Etim letom ya pomogala babushke s dedushkoy v ogorode] – This summer I helped my grandma and grandpa at their garden

Большо́е спаси́бо за …  [Bol’shoye spasibo za …] – Thank you so much for … .

Make a wish

Я бы о́чень хоте́л(а) но́вую ку́клу/маши́нку [Ya by óchen’ khotél (a) nóvuyu kúklu / mashínku] – I really would like a new doll/toy car

Я всегда́ мечта́л(а) о котёнке/щенке́/черепа́хе [Ya vsegdá mechtál(a) o kotonke/shchenké/cherepákhe] – I’ve always dreamed of a kitten/puppy/turtle

You can also make your wishes about others:

Я жела́ю, что́бы в ми́ре не было голо́дных дете́й [Ya zheláyu, chtóby v míre ne bylo golódnykh detéy] – I wish that children around the world will have food

Farewell

Finish your letter by wishing Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, and their helpers a happy New Year. You may include the New Year zodiac sign (2021 is the year of the Metal Ox based on the Chinese lunar calendar). Many Russians like to make New Year celebrations in style with the sign of that year, so you might even decorate your letter and envelope with silvery glitter.

Жела́ю Вам счастли́вого Но́вого Года! [Zhelayu Vam schastlivogo Novogo Goda!] – Wishing you a happy New Year!

Поздравля́ю Вас с наступа́ющим Но́вым Го́дом [Pozdravlyayu Vas s nastupayushchim Novym Godom] – this also carries the sentiment of well-wishes for the New Year.

С Уваже́нием, Ва́ше и́мя – Yours sincerely, your name

Fun Fact: the official holiday of writing letters to Ded Moroz in Russia is December 4th and Veliky Ustyug (Вели́кий Устюг) is his hometown and residence. And lastly:

С наступа́ющим Но́вым Го́дом дороги́е чита́тели!

Happy New Year, dear readers!