MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. Over a third of Russians, if they were to write a letter to Father Frost this year, would ask for Russia's success in the special military operation, according to a survey published by the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).
The survey results show that more than half of Russians (59%) follow the tradition of making a wish as the New Year’s chimes strike. "If Russians were to write a letter to Father Frost this year, the most frequent request would be for the end of the special military operation with our success and the restoration of peace (37%)," the survey stated. VCIOM noted that this wish unites both men and women (31% and 42%, respectively), as well as Russians of all age groups (25-40%), significantly outpacing other New Year’s wishes.
Additionally, 12% of respondents would ask for well-being for themselves and their loved ones or the fulfillment of personal wishes, such as a new phone, car, or even an apartment. Another 7% would make wishes for the entire country, desiring prosperity, economic growth, and lower interest rates. Economic stability "for themselves" was mentioned by 6%, while 2% wished for comfort and a peaceful life. One in ten respondents (10%) would not write a letter at all.
Although most Russians prefer to make a wish on New Year's Eve, not everyone believes in the power of this "ritual" — 47% do, and an equal 47% do not. Those who make a wish themselves are much more likely to believe in its power (68%). However, even among those who don’t participate in the tradition, some still believe in a "New Year’s miracle" (16%).
According to VCIOM's Director of strategic development Stepan Lvov, what matters most to people is the significance they attach to the situation — an opportunity to express desirable and important events in their lives, think through the possibilities of achieving them, focus on them, and inspire those around them.
"This phenomenon is explained by the Thomas principle. It states that if situations are defined as real, they are real in their consequences. In other words, consciously thought through (spoken, considered, modeled) situations are highly likely to lead to actual results. Few respondents would ask Father Frost for something impractical or fantastical. They would ask for what can be considered attainable and achievable — victory in the special military operation, their own health and the health of loved ones, material resources, and their availability. Ordinary, healthy human desires," he added.
About the survey
The nationwide telephone survey "VCIOM-Sputnik" was conducted on December 7, 2024. A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older participated in each survey. The survey method: telephone interviews, stratified random sampling based on a comprehensive list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. The data were weighted for socio-demographic characteristics, and the margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%.