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Most Russians will greet New Year at home

MOSCOW. Dec 29 (Interfax) - This year, 92% of Russians plan to celebrate the New Year. Last year, the figure was the same; in 1999 - 94%; in 1998 - 90%; and in 1997 - 92%.

These figures were reported to Interfax on Saturday at the All- Russian Public Opinion Center, and were ascertained on the basis of polls involving 1,600 Russians. The latest was taken on December 25 this year.

This year, 72% of those polled said they would see in the New Year at home with their friends and relatives, 16% at a friend's place, 4% abroad, 3% alone, and 1% at a holiday home with new, unknown people.

Responding to a different question, 19% said they would want to receive perfume or cosmetics as a gift, while 15% were planning to give such presents.

Some 32% wanted to get sweets or a cake, and 9% intended to give them.

An equal number of people hope to get clothes or footwear, and 8% are planning to give them.

The other options were: knickknacks - 12% (5%), housewares - 2% (6%), alcohol - 5% (3%), jewelry - 2% (4%), flowers - 5% (4%), a book or album - 7% (3%), a car -1% (4%), a calendar for 2002 - 7% (2%), accessories like a scarf or gloves - 3% (3%), a cellular phone - 1% (3%), china and crystal - 5% (3%), a theater ticket or invitation to a restaurant - 1% (2%).

In addition, 5% said they had nobody to give presents to, or to receive presents from.