New Year decorations hold a history - sometimes much more surprising than it seems at first glance. In the lecture, you will learn how festive traditions have changed in different countries and why toys can tell about the past just as much as books. Listeners will embark on an exciting journey into the world of New Year and Christmas customs. The lecture will explore what is traditionally decorated in Japan and African countries, when the first festive toys appeared in Russia, and what events they reflected. There will also be a discussion about cartonage - a unique technique for making Christmas tree decorations that was popular many decades ago. Participants will learn about the materials used to create toys in different eras and how perceptions of the holiday have changed among peoples around the world. The lecture will be conducted by Anastasia Shpakova - a methodologist at the Toy Museum and cultural expert. Registration - here. We will tell you how to celebrate the New Year in St. Petersburg.