It's beginning to look a lot like New Year's!
Everywhere you go.
???»???‡???? on the squares,
Glitter in frigid air,
Bright ?????€???????? all aglow …
?
It's beginning to look a lot like New Year's!
Traffic is standing still,
And the prettiest sight you'll see
Is a highway that's clear and free!
Now that's a holiday thrill!
?
The newest smartphone
(Need to take out a loan)
Is the wish of ?”?????° and ???°???°.
?”???±?»?‘?????° or fur
(Oh, the debts you'll incur!)
Is the hope of every ???°?‚?°???°.
And parents dream of a giant screen:
???€???????? ?????????±?‹ ???»?? ?? ?»?‘???????? ???°?€????!
?
It's beginning to look a lot like New Year's!
?????????????‡?? are full of cheer.
Refrigerators can barely close
Because, as everyone knows:
This must be the best feast of the year!
?
It's beginning to look a lot like New Year's!
Every plane and train is packed.
And the thought that makes your heart sing —
That gives your step just a little spring:
It'll be weeks before anyone's back!
?
???»???‡???? = fir trees
?????????????‡?? = Muscovites
?????€???????? = tree ornaments
?”???±?»?‘?????° = sheepskin coat
???€???????? ?????????±?‹ ???»?? ?? ?»?‘???????? ???°?€???? =
"The Irony of Fate or Enjoy Your Bath" (Russians' favorite New Year's movie)
Michele A. Berdy, a Moscow-based translator and interpreter, is author of "The Russian Word's Worth" (Glas), a collection of her columns.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.