Lesson XXI: Vocabulary in Context

Koji: What's the next holiday after Independence Day? Harold: Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Koji: Do you celebrate it in any particular way? Harold: No, but since it's the last holiday of summer, people like to spend it in the country, in the mountains or at the beach. Koji: Thanksgiving comes next, doesn't it? Harold: Yes. It's on the fourth Thursday of November. It was first celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621 to give thanks to God for His protection and blessings. People often go to church in the morning and have a big turkey dinner in the afternoon. They usually invite their friends and relatives to have dinner with them, and some families like to invite strangers to their homes. Koji: The last major holiday is Christmas, isn't it? Harold: Yes, it is. Christmas is the day when we commemorate the birth of Christ. Koji: How is it celebrated? Harold: Many homes put up Christmas trees and trim them with brightly colored lights. Gifts are exchanged and many kinds of food are prepared. The night before Christmas, Christmas Eve, is especially important to children, because that is when Santa Claus brings them presents. 5.1. Review Holidays Answer the following questions. 1. What are major holidays in the USA? 2. Why do people in America celebrate the Memorial Day? 3. What is the Independence day? 4. When was the Thanksgiving Day celebrated first? 5. Who celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day? 6. What do people in many countries commemorate at Christmas? 7. When does Santa Claus bring presents to children? 6. Review Questions Answer the following questions. 1. Do you clean up or clean off your room? 2. What do you like to fill up your glass with for breakfast? 3. Do you stand up or sit down when a lady enters your room? 4. Do you pick up anyone on your way to school/work? 5. Why do you put up your hand in class? 6. Do you sometimes hang up the phone? 7. Have you ever blown out the candles of a birthday cake? 8. Do you expect all of your dreams to come true? 9. Would you like me to put off next class? 10. Have you ever had a waiter bring you something to eat? 11. Where did you grow up? 12. Where were you raised? 13. What usually holds you up on your way to school/work? 14. What’s your favorite holiday?