3 minute read
Culture. Holiday time
1. Check out the names of festivals and match them with their dates.
a b c
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d e f October 31 April 1 June 1 June 19 May 14 February 14
2. Complete the sentence with the festivals and dates above. Discuss them with a class. Add some more if you know.
Ex: We celebrate Halloween on the 31st of October. We celebrate __ on __.
3. Read the web page about some public holidays and look at the calendar. What date is each holiday? Do you celebrate them in your country?
4th November
4th July 7th January
Hi! I’m Megan. My favourite holiday is Thanksgiving. It’s on the 4th Thursday in November. On Thanksgiving, we say «thank you» for the things we’ve got. We have a long weekend and spend a great time with family. For the festive dinner we cook traditional holiday dishes like roast turkey with mashed potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie. We eat the meal together and wish Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Hello! I’m Jake. The holiday I like most is Independence Day. It’s on the 4th of July. On Independence Day we celebrate the birthday of the USA. Some people go and see parades and hold flags. In my family we can go for a picnic or have a barbecue with friends. We eat burgers and corn on the cob. At night, there are fireworks. Best wishes on the 4th of July!
Hi, I’m Sam! I really like Christmas celebrations. Kids write letters to Santa, hang the stockings over the fireplace and wait for the presents. People sing carols, exchange gifts and wish each other Merry Christmas! We put up the Christmas tree and decorate it with lights, balls and a big star; we invite all family and friends to get together at supper and enjoy roast beef with vegetables and pudding.
4. What happens on these days? Read the web page again and complete the columns 1–3 of the table accordingly.
holiday Thanksgiving Independence Day Christmas
traditions decorations food and meal activities
5. Look at the images below. What holiday do they remind you of?
6. Use the words below to make up sentences and talk about the holiday.
magic / eve / midnight / firework / mask / count down / confetti / party popper
Ex: My favourite holiday is Christmas. I believe there is magic in the air and all our wishes can come true.
7. Read the statements about New Year. Say which are true or false about this holiday celebrations in your country.
1) New Year’s Eve is on 31 December, the last day of the calendar. 2) A lot of people have fancy parties, they wear party hats or masks. 3) New Year’s Eve party snacks are peanuts, crisps, cheese and fruit plates. 4) People watch a special clock on television at home. 5) A lot of people go to the main square in their city. 6) People count down the last minute before the new year. 7) When the clock strikes twelve, people yell “Happy New Year”! 8) At midnight people pull party poppers, toss confetti and light fireworks. 9) People dance and sing a special song to celebrate the new year. 10) On 1st January people make “New Year’s resolutions” – plans for the new year and promises to do things like "do more exercise" or "eat healthy food".
8. Match the pictures with the resolutions.
9. Work in pairs. Write your three New Year’s resolutions. Then compare with your partner. Do you think you can keep the resolutions?
eat less chocolate a join a sports team be optimistic and happy go to bed and wake up early study and read more help parents in the house start a new hobby join an English-speaking club b
d c
f
e
g h
Ex.: I promise to save more pocket money I want to learn how to play the guitar
