(not so) interesting fact: Russians celebrate new years much like we celebrate Christmas (gift giving, family meal etc;)

This is due to the Soviet Unions downplaying of religion, but understanding the need of a yearly get-together.

So, my girlfriend celebrates NYE as if it were Christmas, Christmas is seen as "not really important" and she didn't even have a concept of Christmas being on Dec 25th (which, consequently was when she was born herself)