Far far away in cold snowy Siberia, hidden away from the curious eye amidst vast taiga forests, there is a small beautiful town called Tomsk. With lengthy severe winters and hit-and-run summers, surrounded by endless kilometers of taiga terra and swamps, Tomsk scares away the weak-hearted. So the townsmen, or Tomichi, if you prefer the authentic name, are all strong and brave, hard-tempered but sweet and good-natured people. That’s how I would start a fantasy fairy-tale story about a little brave girl Katya and her Siberian adventures. J

I love winter holidays – this time of the year when cities and homes get transformed into wonderful fairylands and people into happy inhabitants of these magic places. When smiles and laughs replace worry and sorrow and every grown up at least for a moment becomes an 8 year old again. When big happiness fits into a small blue ornament, hung with care and love on the pine branch.

I am not a religious person and I am not a follower of any faith. I am on the side of agnosticism when it comes to the question of God. But I am a believer and I wanted to share with you my humble version of faith which makes sense to me and makes me peaceful and hopeful.

I believe in holidays. I believe in the power of positive energy. The power of good deeds. The power of happy thoughts. During winter holidays everyone becomes a little bit happier, a little bit more joyful. You can physically feel this joy in the air and unlike red bull it really does give you wings! I believe that during such times magical things happen and dreams come true. I believe in people and all the good, great things they are capable of, when their minds and hearts are full of happiness and kindness.

I wish everyone to have great holidays this year! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!