Ringing in 2007 in from Spasskaya Tower in Red Square
To watch President Vladimir Putin's 2008 New Year's address to the nation, click here.
You can also watch the 2007 Russian presidential New Year's speech here

Today is New Year's Day, perhaps the most beloved family holiday on the Russian calendar. Today marks not only the beginning of the new year, but also of the extended holiday vacation season in Russia. Many Russians won't be returning to work until Monday, January 14.

January 1, 2008 also will see the merger of two Russian oblasts, Ust-Orda Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast, following the results of a 2006 regional referendum in Siberia. The Russian Federation will now go from having 85 federal regions to 84.

From Russia Blog to our readers around the world, best wishes, health and happiness for the new year!