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Russia May Extend May Holidays by Cutting New Year Break Short

Could Russia's winter holidays shrink to make way for a longer spring escape? One official's plan aims to reshape how Russians rest and travel.

The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "The Special Enrollment Period for Health...
The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "The Special Enrollment Period for Health Care is Extended Through August 15".

Russia May Extend May Holidays by Cutting New Year Break Short

A proposal to reshape Russia’s holiday calendar has been put forward by Vladislav Grib, deputy secretary of the Civic Chamber. He suggests shortening the New Year break in January to extend the May holidays into a single nine-day period. The plan aims to make the schedule more practical for families and workers alike. Grib’s proposal involves reducing the New Year holidays, which currently run until January 8, by three or four days. These days would then be added to May, creating an uninterrupted break from May 1 to 9. According to him, spring offers better conditions for outdoor activities and family travel compared to the winter season.

Many Russians already extend their May holidays by using extra leave or personal days. Grib argues that consolidating the break would eliminate the need for such adjustments. He believes the change would align better with seasonal patterns, making it easier for people to plan trips and leisure time.

If adopted, the reform would shift some January holiday days to May, creating a longer continuous break. The proposal focuses on practicality, aiming to match holiday schedules with more favourable weather and travel opportunities. Officials have yet to confirm whether the plan will move forward.

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