Marushka and the New Year

Summary

Stories Podcast: "Maruschka and the New Year" (Jan 14, 2026) – Detailed Episode Summary

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Main Theme

This episode features the retelling of a classic Czech fairy tale, Maruschka and the New Year, adapted for young listeners. The story centers on Maruschka, a kind stepchild unjustly treated by her jealous stepmother and stepsister Helena. Through a magical encounter with the twelve personified months, Maruschka’s patience and goodness are rewarded, while cruelty and greed meet a fitting end. The tale explores themes of kindness, resilience in adversity, fairness, and the cycles of nature.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Structure

Introduction to Maruschka and Her Family

• [03:24] The episode opens setting the scene: Maruschka is an orphaned stepchild who is beautiful and kind but is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsister, Helena, who resent her goodness.
  • “Helena, her own daughter she loved dearly. But she couldn’t even bear the sight of Maruschka, the stepchild. This was because Maruschka was so much prettier than Helena.” (Narrator, 03:24)

Increasing Cruelty and Impossible Tasks

• [04:40] Maruschka is forced to do all the housework while Helena lounges. Despite mistreatment, Maruschka grows ever kinder and more beautiful, amplifying her family’s jealousy.
• The stepmother decides Maruschka must be driven away to secure Helena's future:
  • “Soon the boys will come courting, and once they see how good and kind Maruschka is, they’ll pay no attention at all to my Helena.” (Narrator, 05:20)

First Quest – Violets in Winter

• [06:28] Helena demands violets in January, an impossible task, and Maruschka is sent into the snowy woods under threat of expulsion.
  • “‘What can you be thinking of? Whoever heard of violets growing under the snow in January? I’ll freeze.’” (Maruschka, 06:35)
  • Her family responds with threats and violence, pushing her out into the cold.
• Maruschka, wandering hopeless in the snow, discovers a glowing fire surrounded by twelve mysterious figures – the personifications of each month.
• [07:29] Key Exchange:
  • “‘This is no place for you, my child.’” – Great January (Amanda Weldon, 07:29)
  • Maruschka explains her plight; January passes his staff to March, who creates spring so Maruschka may pick violets.

Second Quest – Strawberries in the Snow

• [10:53] The next day Helena, unsatisfied, demands strawberries. Again Maruschka is sent out into the wintry woods.
• She finds the months again; January passes the staff to June, who brings summer. Maruschka gathers strawberries and returns home.
• Her family greedily eats all the strawberries, never sharing a single one with her.

Third Quest – Apples Out of Season

• [17:18] Helena now insists on red apples in the depth of winter.
• For the third time, Maruschka visits the months. This time September brings on autumn, and Maruschka gets two apples.
  • “‘That’s enough, Maruschka.’” – September (Amanda Weldon, 18:37)
• Helena and her mother, angered there are only two apples, decide to fetch more for themselves.

The Fate of the Wicked

• Helena, arrogant and rude to the months, demands apples without courtesy.
  • “‘You old fool. What business is it of yours who I am or what I want?’” – Helena to Great January (Amanda Weldon, 21:09)
• The months retaliate: a magical storm sweeps Helena away, and when her mother goes looking for her, they are hopelessly lost in a storm that leaves them unable to return home.
• [24:00] Maruschka, concerned for her family despite her mistreatment, asks January to help them.
  • “‘Well, she’s not very nice, that’s true, but I don’t want either of them to freeze...Could you perhaps guide them out of the storm?’” (Maruschka, 24:13)
  • January and the other months ensure Helena and the stepmother settle in a distant land, never able to return.

Conclusion – Virtue Rewarded

• Maruschka inherits the home, marries a good-hearted farmer, and has a happy family.
• The story ends with Maruschka’s kindness and endurance rewarded and her “happily ever after.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Maruschka’s resilience:
  • “She never complained. She did all she was told to do and bore patiently their everlasting fault finding...” (Narrator, 04:54)
• On magical realism and hope:
  • “‘Run and pick them, Maruschka.’ Quickly March called.” (Narrator/March, 08:25)
• Lesson in kindness:
  • When the months intervene after Maruschka pleads mercy for her persecutors:
    • “‘You want them to go home? They are terrible to you, and this storm is only making them worse. They still blame you, even though they’re the ones who pushed you out.’” (Great January, 24:22)
• A memorable portrayal of greed:
  • “Helena took the strawberries and gobbled and gobbled and gobbled...But it never occurred to either of them to say, here, Maruschka, you take one.” (Narrator, 13:01)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:24 — Family dynamics and motivations introduced
• 06:28 — Maruschka’s first banishment and the quest for violets
• 07:29-09:20 — Encounter with the 12 months and magical intervention for violets
• 10:53-12:13 — Second quest; June brings summer for strawberries
• 17:18-18:40 — Third quest; September conjures apples and limits Maruschka to two
• 21:09 — Helena’s disrespect at the fire of the months
• 24:00-25:00 — Maruschka’s compassion, storm’s magical judgment, and final outcomes

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Tone and Language

• The narration maintains a gentle, descriptive, and slightly whimsical tone throughout, suitable for young audiences.
• Dialogue is direct and occasionally playful, embodying classic fairy tale rhythms.
• The story richly describes the magical transformation of seasons, offering vivid sensory imagery.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers a classic tale with a magical twist: Maruschka, treated harshly by her stepfamily, remains steadfastly good. Through humble politeness and compassion — even for those who mistreated her — she wins the supernatural favor of the twelve months of the year. The story teaches that kindness and virtue, even in the bleakest conditions, are ultimately rewarded, while selfishness and cruelty carry consequences. With vivid storytelling and a fairy tale ending, this episode is perfect for families seeking warmth and wisdom for the New Year.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello.

[Narrator]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Maruschka and the New Year A Czech Fairy Tale collected by Parker Fillmore and adapted for audio by Daniel Hines. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors January is such a great reset point for homeschool families. Whether you're refining your curriculum, getting back into rhythm after the holidays, or trying new learning goals, IXL helps you start the year organized and focused. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits perfectly into homeschooling, especially when starting a new year. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. IXL adapts to your child's level, keeps them motivated and gives you the tools and insights to guide learning with confidence. IXL is organized by grade and topic so you can jump right into what each child needs without having to dig through endless resources. No rigid structure here. Whether your child is reviewing third grade math or jumping into sixth grade reading, IXL meets them where they are and lets them move at their own pace. Between the awards, challenges and little moments of celebration, IXL makes it easy to keep learning light and engaging. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and stories. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Starting the year with a wardrobe refresh, Quince has you covered with luxe essentials that feel effortless and look polished. They're perfect for layering, mixing and building a wardrobe that lasts. Their versatile styles make it easy to reach for them day after day. Quince has all the staples covered from soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters that feel like designer pieces without the markup to 100% silk tops and skirts for easy dressing up to perfectly cut denim for everyday wearable. Their wardrobe essentials are crafted to last season after season. I am still wearing the featherless quilted long puffer coat that I got from Quince a few months ago. It is an everyday piece and it's keeping me warm and cozy even as the days get colder and darker. It's just as nice as coats I've paid triple for, and I get compliments on it all the time. I especially feel good knowing that my coat, like everything from Quince, has been made with premium materials in ethical, trusted factories and priced far below other luxury brands without compromising on fair compensation for workers. Refresh your wardrobe with quints. Don't wait. Go to quince.com stories for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com stories to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com stories thanks. Enjoy the episode Maruschka and the New Year There was once a woman who had two girls. One was her own daughter, the other a stepchild. Helena, her own daughter she loved dearly. But she couldn't even bear the sight of Maruschka, the stepchild. This was because Maruschka was so much prettier than Helena. Maruschka, the dear child, didn't know how pretty she was, and so she never understood why whenever she stood beside Helena, her stepmother frowned so crossly. Mother and daughter made Maruschka do all the housework alone. She had to cook, wash and sew and spin and take care of the garden and look after the cow. Helena, on the contrary, spent all her time decking herself out and sitting around like a grand lady. Maruschka never complained. She did all she was told to do and bore patiently their everlasting fault finding in spite of all the hard work she did, she grew stronger and kinder and prettier from day to day. And in spite of her lazy life, or maybe because of it, Helena grew ugly. Not ugly in looks, but ugly in her personality. She was mean and angry and boring. This will never do, the stepmother thought to herself. Soon the boys will come courting, and once they see how good and kind Maruschka is, they'll pay no attention at all to my Helena. We had just better do all we can to get rid of that Maruska as soon as possible. So stepmother and daughter both nagged Maruschka all day long. They made her work harder, they spanked her, they didn't give her enough to eat. They did everything they could think of to make her ugly and nasty, but all to no avail. Maruska was so good and sweet that in spite of all their harsh treatment, she kept on growing prettier, kinder and warmer. So one day in the middle of January, Helena took the notion that nothing else would do. But but she must have A bunch of fragrant violets to put on her dress. Maruschka, she ordered sharply, I want some violets. Go out to the forest and get me some. Good heavens, my dear sister. Cried poor Maruschka. What can you be thinking of? Whoever heard of violets growing under the snow in January? I'll freeze. What? You lazy little girl. Helena shouted. You dare to argue with me? You go this minute, and if you come back without violets, we'll kick you out for good. The stepmother sided with Helena, and taking Maruschka roughly by the shoulder, she pushed her out of the house and slammed the door. The poor child climbed slowly up the mountainside, weeping bitterly. All around the snow lay deep. With no track of human or beast in any direction. Maruschka wandered on and on, weak with hunger and shaking with cold. Suddenly, ahead of her, she saw a glowing light. She struggled towards it and found at last that it came from a great fire that was burning on the top of the mountain. Around the fire there were 12 stones, one of them much bigger and higher than the rest. Twelve men were seated on the stones. Three of them were very old and white. Three were not so old, three were middle aged, and three were beautiful youths. They did not talk. They sat silent, gazing at the fire. Maruska realized suddenly she had stumbled into a fairy realm, and she was now looking at the spirits of the 12 months of the year. For a moment Maruska was frightened and hesitated. Then she stepped forward and said politely, kind sirs, may I warm myself at your fire? I am shaking with cold. Great janted his head, and Maruschka reached her stiff fingers towards the flames.

[Amanda Weldon]

This is no place for you, my child.

[Narrator]

Great January said.

[Amanda Weldon]

Why are you here?

[Narrator]

I'm hunting for violets, Maruschka answered.

[Amanda Weldon]

Violets? This is no time to look for violets with snow on the ground.

[Narrator]

I know that, sir, but my sister Helaena says I must bring her violets from the forest or she'll kick me out into the cold. And my stepmother says so too. Please, sir, won't you tell me where I can find some? Great January slowly stood up and walked over to the youngest month. He handed him a long staff and.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said, here, March, you take the high seat.

[Narrator]

So March took the high seat and began waving the staff over the fire. The fire blazed up, and instantly the snow all about began to melt. The trees burst into bud, the grass revived, the little pink buds of the daisies appeared, and lo, it was spring. The violets were blooming under the snow. Run and pick them, Maruschka. Quickly March called Maruschka, picked them joyfully until she had a big bunch. Then she thanked the months and ran home. Helena and the stepmother were amazed when they saw her coming with the violets. They opened the door, and the scent of the flowers filled the cottage. Where did you get them? Helena asked angrily. High up in the mountain, Maruschka said. They are growing under the bushes. Helena snatched the violets and fastened them to her waist. She kept smelling them herself all afternoon, and she let her mother smell them. But she never once said to Maruschka, dear sister, won't you take a smell? The next day, as she was sitting idle in the chimney corner, she took the notion that she must have some strawberries to eat. So she called Maruschka and said, here you are, Maruschka. Go out to the forest and get me some strawberries. Good heavens, my dear sister, Maruschka said. Where can I find strawberries this time of year? Whoever heard of strawberries growing under the snow? What? You lazy little girl. Helena shouted. You dare to argue with me? You go this minute, and if you come back without strawberries, I'll kick you out Again. The stepmother sided with Helena for some reason, and taking Maruschka roughly by the shoulder, she pushed her out of the house and slammed the door again. The poor child climbed slowly up the mountainside, weeping bitterly. All around the snow lay deep, with no track of human or beast in any direction. Maruschka wandered on and on, weak with hunger and shaking with cold. At last she saw ahead of her the glow of the same fire that she had seen the day before. With a happy heart, she hastened to it. The 12 months were seated as before, with Great January on the high seat. Maruschka bowed politely and said, kind sirs, may I warm myself at your fire? I am shaking with cold. Great January nodded, and Marushka reached her stiff fingers towards the flames. But Maruschka, Great January said, why are you here again?

[Amanda Weldon]

What are you hunting now?

[Narrator]

I'm hunting for strawberries, Maruschka answered.

[Amanda Weldon]

Strawberries? But Maruschka, my child, it is winter, and strawberries do not grow in the snow.

[Narrator]

Maruschka shook her head sadly. I know that, sir. But my sister Helena says I must bring her strawberries from the forest or she will kick me out. And my mother says so, too. Please, sir, won't you tell me where I can find some? Great Jan slowly stood up and walked over to the month who sat opposite him. He handed him the long staff and.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said, here, June, you take the high seat.

[Narrator]

So June took the high seat and began waving the staff over the fire. The flames blazed high, and with the heat the the snow all about melted Instantly. The earth grew green, the trees decked themselves in leaves, the birds began to sing, flowers bloomed, and lo, it was summer. Presently, little starry white blossoms covered the ground under the beech trees. Soon these turned to fruit, first green, then pink, then red. And with a gasp of delight, Maruska saw that they were ripe strawberries Now.

[Amanda Weldon]

Maruska.

[Narrator]

June cried. There are your strawberries. Pick them quickly. Maruschka picked an apron full of berries. Then she thanked the months, politely bade them goodbye, and hurried home. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free. Subscribe subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts Starting the year with a wardrobe refresh Quince has you covered with luxe essentials that feel effortless and look polished. They're perfect for layering, mixing and building a wardrobe that lasts. Their versatile styles make it easy to reach for them day after day. Quince has all the staples covered from soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters that feel like designer pieces without the markup to 100% silk tops and skirts for easy dressing up to perfectly cut denim for everyday wear. Their wardrobe essentials are crafted to last season after season. I am still wearing the featherless, quilted long puffer coat that I got from Quince a few months ago. It is an everyday piece and it's keeping me warm and cozy even as the days get colder and darker. It's just as nice as coats I've paid triple for, and I get compliments on it all the time. I especially feel good knowing that my coat, like everything from Quince, has been made with premium materials in ethical, trusted factories and priced far below other luxury brands without compromising on fair compensation for workers. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Don't wait. Go to Quince.com stories for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com stories to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com stories January is such a great reset point for homeschool families. Whether you're refining your curriculum, getting back into rhythm after the holidays, or trying new learning goals, IXL helps you start the year organized and focused. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits perfectly into homeschooling, especially when starting a new year. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science, and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. IXL adapts to your child's level, keeps them motivated, and gives you the tools and insights to guide learning with confidence. IXL is organized by grade and topic, so you can jump right into what each child needs without having to dig through endless resources. No rigid structure here. Whether your child is reviewing third grade math or jumping into sixth grade reading, IXL meets them where they are and lets them move at their own pace. Between the awards, challenges and little moments of celebration. I IXL makes it easy to keep learning light and engaging. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Just imagine again Helena and the stepmother's surprise as they saw Maruschka coming through the snow with an apron full of strawberries. They opened the door, and instantly the fragrance of the berries filled the house. Where did you get them? Helena demanded rudely. High up in the mountain, maruschka answered. Under the beech trees Helena took the strawberries and gobbled and gobbled and gobbled. Then the stepmother ate all she wanted, but it never occurred to either of them to say, here, Maruschka, you take one. The next day, when Helena was sitting idle as usual in the chimney corner, the notion took her that she must have some red apples. So she called Maruschka and said, here, you, Marushka, go out to the forest and get me some red apples. But my dear sister, Maruschka gasped, where can I find red apples in winter? What, you lazy little girl. You dared to argue with me. You go this minute, and if you come back without red apples, I'll kick you out for the third time. Unsurprisingly, the stepmother sided with Helena and, taking Maruschka roughly by the shoulder, pushed her out of the house and slammed the door. So again the poor child went out to the forest. All around the snow lay deep, with no track of human or beast in any direction. This time Maruschka hurried straight to the mountaintop. She found the months still seated about their fire, with Great January still on the high stone. Maruska bowed politely and said, kind sirs, may I warm myself at your fire? I am shaking with cold again. Great January nodded, and Marushka reached her stiff fingers towards the flames.

[Amanda Weldon]

Why are you here again, Maruschka?

[Narrator]

Great January asked. What Are you looking for now red apples, Maruschka answered. My sister Helaena says I must bring her some red apples from the forest or she will kick me out. And my mother says so, too. Please, sir, won't you tell me where I can find some? Great. January slowly stood up and walked over to one of the older months. He handed him the long staff and.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said, here, September, you take the high seat.

[Narrator]

So September took the high seat and began waving the staff over the fire. The fire burned and glowed instantly. The snow disappeared. The fields about looked brown and yellow and dry from the trees. The leaves dropped one by one, and a cool breeze scattered them over the stubble. There were not many flowers, only wild asters on the hillside and meadow saffron in the valleys and under the beeches, ferns and ivy. Presently Maruschka spied an apple tree weighted down with ripe fruit. There, Maruschka, September called. There are your apples. Gather them quickly. Maruschka reached up and picked one apple. Then she picked another. That's enough, Maruschka. September shouted.

[Amanda Weldon]

Don't pick any more.

[Narrator]

Marushka obeyed at once. Then she thanked the months, politely bade them goodbye, and hurried home. Helena and her stepmother were more surprised than ever to see Maruschka coming through the snow with red apples in her hands. They let her in and grabbed the apples from her. Where did you get them? Helena demanded. High up on the mountain, Maruschka answered. There are plenty of them growing there. Plenty of them? And you only brought us two? Helena cried angrily. Or did you pick more and eat them yourself on the way home? No, no, my dear sister, Maruschka said. I haven't eaten any. Truly I haven't. They wouldn't let me pick any more than two. They shouted to me not to pick any more. I doubt that very much, Helena sneered. I've a good mind to kick you out. After a time, the greedy Helena left off her scolding to eat one of the apples. It had so delicious a flavor that she declared she had never in all her life tasted anything so good. Her mother said the same. When they had finished both apples, they began to wish for more. Mother, Helena said, go get me my fur cloak. I am going up the mountain myself. No use sending that lazy little girl again, for she would only eat up all the apples on the way home. I'll find that tree, and when I pick the apples, I'd like to see anybody stop me. The mother begged Helena not to go out in such weather, but Helena was headstrong and would go. She threw her fur cloak over her shoulders and put a shawl on her head. And off she went up the mountainside. All around, the snow lay deep, with no track of human or beast in any direction. Helena wandered on and on, determined to find those wonderful apples. At last she saw a light in the distance, and when she reached it, she found it was the Great Fire about which the 12 months were seated. At first she was frightened, but soon growing bold, she elbowed her way through the circle of men, and without so much as saying, by your leave, she put out her hands to the fire. She hadn't even the courtesy to say good day. Great January frowned.

[Amanda Weldon]

Who are you?

[Narrator]

He asked in his deep voice.

[Amanda Weldon]

And what do you want?

[Narrator]

Helena looked at him rudely. You old fool. What business is it of yours who I am or what I want? She tossed her head airily and walked off into the forest. The frown deepened on Great January's brow. Slowly he stood up and waved the staff over his head. The fire died down. Then the sky grew dark. An icy wind blew over the mountain, and the snow began to fall so thickly that it looked as if someone in the sky were emptying a huge featherbed. Helena could not see a step before her. She struggled on and on. Now she ran into a tree. Now she fell into a snowdrift. In spite of her warm cloak, her limbs began to weaken and grow numb. The snow kept on falling. The icy wind kept on blowing. Did Helena at last begin to feel sorry that she had been so wicked and cruel to Maruschka? No, she did not. Instead, the colder she grew, the more bitterly she hated Maruska in her heart. Meanwhile, at home, her mother waited for her. And waited. She stood at the window as long as she could. Then she opened the door and tried to peer through the storm. She waited and waited, but no. Helena came. Oh dear, oh dear. What can be keeping her? She thought to herself. Does she like those apples so much that she can't leave them? Or what is it? I think I'll have to go out myself and find her. So the stepmother put her fur cloak about her shoulders, threw a shawl over her head, and started out. She called, helena. Helena. But no one answered. She struggled on and on up the mountainside. All around, the snow lay deep, with no track of human or beast in any direction. Helena. Helena. Still no answer. The snow fell fast. The icy wind moaned on. At home, Maruschka prepared the dinner and looked after the cow. Still, neither Helena nor the stepmother returned. What can they be doing all this time? Maruska thought she ate her dinner alone, and then sat down to do some knitting. The needles clicked and clacked and daylight faded, and still no sign of Helena and her mother. Dear God in heaven, what can be keeping them? Marushka cried anxiously. She peered out the window to see if they were coming, but they were still lost in the mountain. Finally, Mother had found Helena, but now they were lost together. They sat in the driving snow, slowly being buried, their tears freezing on their cheeks. Fearing the worst, Maruschka went out after them. She headed right for the fire of the seasons and approached politely as before. Excuse me, she said to Jan. My stepmother and sister are lost out here in the snow. Have you seen them? We have, said January, and he told them of Helena's terrible behavior. Well, she's not very nice, that's true, but I don't want either of them to freeze, said Maruschka. Could you perhaps guide them out of the storm?

[Amanda Weldon]

You want them to go home? They are terrible to you, and this storm is only making them worse. They still blame you, even though they're the ones who pushed you out.

[Narrator]

Well, maybe they don't have to go home. Exactly, maruschka said, and January smiled. The stepmother and Helena found the storm lighter in one direction, and they walked and walked. Soon they came to the edge of a slope and slid down and down and down. The seasons worked together to make the two wicked women hopelessly lost, and by the time they finally stumbled from the storm, they were in a different country, never again to find their way home to punish Maruschka. Each time they tried, a terrible storm would drive them back, no matter the season. Eventually they gave up and made new lives far, far away. So our good little Maruska inherited the cottage and the garden and the cow. After a time she married a farmer. He made her a good husband, and they had plenty of good children, and they lived together happily ever after. The End Today's story Maruska and the New Year, was a Czech fairy tale collected by Parker Fillmore and adapted for audio by Daniel Hynes. It was edited and produced for you by Ellie Hynes and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram storiespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. Happy New Year and thanks for listening.