Traditions make a nation special holidays and celebrations

lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends. There are three types of holidays in Russia.
They are family holidays, state (public, official) holidays and religious ( church) holidays. Family holidays include birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, house-warming parties, new baby parties and others. Some pagan holidays are popular with Russians too.
( see the table)

… (There is no exact date for …, it is different every year. It is usually the last ( the first)… of…)
… celebrates ( marks) the end of…/ the beginning of…/ the victory of…in…/ the Independence of…/ the anniversary of…/ the new Constitution.
… is devoted to soldiers and officers / the Soviet Army / women. ( We celebrate it in the honour of …)
The day makes us think of…
… has deep roots.
… was started by / in / as…( was connected with / is associated with / used to be celebrated as…

of veterans / demonstrations are held …
It takes time to make all the arrangements but it is worth many efforts. ( give one’s house a thorough cleaning, to decorate … with …, make fancy costumes, write and send post cards )
People are involved in various activities.
They congratulate … on… / give presents to… / lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
They go out into the streets
participate /take part in all kinds of outdo
activities( in parades, shows, demonstrations,
fancy balls)
go to church and stay for service

visiting each other / invite guests
cook a special dinner / make pancakes
(paskhas, Easter cakes, dye or paint
eggs)
have parties, dance , have a carnival
set off fire-crackers ( The whole sky lights
up
with fire-works at midnight.)
knock on people’s door, sing carols, collect
gifts
burn a scarecrow
People enjoy themselves / have fun / stay up late / stay up until midnight / sit at the table / have a great chat.
The highlight of the festival is…

holiday?
Do you feel sorry about the holidays that disappeared?
What new holidays would you like to establish?
Is choosing gifts an easy matter?
(For me choosing a present depends on what occasion it is / how close we are / how much money I have.
If…………. it is supposed to be expensive / it could be hand-made.
It is the spirit behind the gift that matters most but not the gift itself.)

my joy!
I like the perfect / special atmosphere behind celebrations.
I just enjoy the spirit of a holiday!
I celebrate any holiday irrespective of its religious background.
For me a holiday is a good opportunity to get together with my nearest and dearest / friends.

like any celebration especially. It’s not important for me.
For me any holiday is just a day-off.
I don’t understand the use of celebrating a holiday only because it’s a tradition!
We can choose more interesting activities instead of sitting at the table and discussing boring family problems.
There’s only one celebration that matters, it’s…