Russian New Year is a bigger holiday. The whole Soviet Union mess, and all. But my family liked to keep the holiday going.
School, yes. Training, really. I wouldn't say mandatory in that someone would come to collect you if you were unwilling but there was shame in it if you did not become a Guardian. It was always in my future.
Here, however, I quite enjoy teaching something other than how to take down a full grown man (or woman) who is faster and stronger and actively trying to kill you and/or your charge.