2. Santa Clause (Saint Nicholas ) According to Christmas folklore, he rides in his very own sleigh led by a team of reindeer.He lands on top of your roof, climbs down your chimney and puts presents both in your stockings and around your Christmas tree. Grandfather Frost is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka. According to legend, he travels in a magical decorated sleigh drawn by three white horses, and delivers gifts to children. Ded Moroz carries a big magic staff. or Notes: According to … - согласно… sleigh - сани; stockings - чулки; reindeer - олень; ; gifts = presents; chimney - труба; staff - посох

3. Fill in the gaps 1. ………is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka. a) Santa Claus b) Ded Moroz 2. Santa Claus travels in a magical sleigh drawn by………… a) a team of reindeer b) three white horses 3. ………..puts presents both in your stockings and around your Christmas tree. a) Santa Claus b) Ded Moroz 4. …………carries a big magic staff. a) Santa Claus b) Ded Moroz Check yourself: 1b, 2a, 3a, 4b

4.  Christmas is one of the most popular holidays all over the world. For long years it was considered, that capital of Christmas is the city of Rovaniemi in Finland and there lives Santa Claus. Children (and adults) from all countries of the world sent the letters to Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.  In 1998 year city “Veliki Ustyug” in the north of Vologda area of Russia decided to occupy free niche and opened apartment (residence) of Russian "Santa Claus" - "Ded Moroz ". Project turned out to be successful. City Velikiy Ustyug attracted attention of big quantity of tourists.

5. In Ded Moroz’s office there is a throne hall, a museum, workshops, mail and souvenirs. Tourists can talk and be photographed with "Ded Moroz " (Grandfather Frost) in throne hall, send festive cards and letters to people and friends with stamp and autograph of Grandfather Frost, get original souvenirs. Russian Ded Moroz can write a letter with wishes and congratulations from him to Christmas or New Year holidays. Many people all over the world write to Russian Ded Moroz with hope on congratulations, happiness and good luck in New Year and Christmas.

6. 1.Christmas is one of the most popular holidays all over the world. 2.The capital of Christmas is the city of Rovaniemi in Scotland. 3.Children (and adults) from all countries of the world visit Santa Claus on Christmas. 4.Residence of Russian "Santa Claus" - "Ded Moroz” is in Vologda. 5.Ded Moroz’s office is very small. 6.Tourists can talk and be photographed with "Ded Moroz”. 7.Russian Ded Moroz can come to you with wishes and congratulations. a)True b)False c)Not stated

8. Answer the questions, then read the text 1.When do we celebrate Christmas in Russia? In Western Europe? 2.What does this holiday mean? 3.Is it an old tradition or a new modern holiday? 4.Do you celebrate Christmas in your family? 5.Have you ever been to the church on Christmas?

9. I.Number the events in the correct order. 1.At midnight the churches of Russia start their divine service. 2.The family gathers around the table to honor the coming Christ Child. 3.Some people fast (don't eat anything) on Christmas Eve, until the first star has appeared in the sky. 4. In czarist times, Christmas was the traditional family holiday, celebrated on the 25th of December. 5. Now, Christmas is a national holiday in Russia and falls on January 7. 6. People then go to the midnight (12 p.m.) services. 7.Once the first star has appeared in the sky, the festivities begin. 8.The festive and merry days of Christmas are celebrated with so many specific traditions, ceremonies, etc. sochivo Read for detail 4, 5, 3, 7, 2, 6, 1, 8.

10. II. Make a Word-Web “Christmas in Russia”

11. Help Diana! I brought home my newly adopted daughter, age 13, from Russia on December 2. I am so glad to be home! She is doing great. I have learned a lot of new Russian words, and she is learning English at the speed of light! We are having a Christmas gathering on January 7. Can anyone give me some ideas or suggestions on how Russians celebrate? I realize it's not as big as New Years, but any ideas on decorations, foods, etc. would be appreciated. III. Help Diana, please! Write her a letter about celebration of Christmas in Russia. Here’s a letter from Britain. The woman adopted a girl from Russia and asks for your help. Read it.

12. В презентации использованы:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide#Russia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide#Russia  http://www.norway.mid.ru/new_year.html http://www.norway.mid.ru/new_year.html  http://whychristmas.com/cultures/russia.shtml http://whychristmas.com/cultures/russia.shtml  http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/russia/russian_christmas.htm http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/russia/russian_christmas.htm  http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/russia/winter_festivals_in_russia.htm http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/russia/winter_festivals_in_russia.htm  http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/russia.html http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/russia.html  http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/worldxmas/russia.htm http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/worldxmas/russia.htm  http://www.santas.net/russianchristmas.htm http://www.santas.net/russianchristmas.htm  http://www.rus-tourist.ru/engl/eng_sant.htm ) http://www.rus-tourist.ru/engl/eng_sant.htm  http://fotki.yandex.ru http://fotki.yandex.ru