Christmas in the USA

The United States has such a diversity of cultures and traditions, it is actually quite difficult to say what is uniquely American. Many of the Christmas holiday activities vary from family to family and often depend on the cultural heritage of the family members. A typical Christmas celebration in America mix Irish, Austrian, Polish and Belgian traditions into something that is its own. 

Notwithstanding the variety of cultures and nationalities, there is an 'ideal' Christmas tradition which seems to be accepted by many is that Christmas is a family time with a great deal of travel happening over the holidays. The differing climates of the United States also have an influence on what happens at Christmas time. For some places the idea of a Christmas with a sparkling blanket of snow is perfect, for some planning to spend the day at the beach is ideal while some look forward to warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. 

The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree plays an important part in the holiday tradition. Often times it is topped by a star to represent the Star of Bethlehem, or by an angel which announces the birth of Christ. Many family trees have ornaments from more than one generation. Often times the heritage of the families are represented by the kind of decorations on the trees. Lights are a must and the more the better. The tree is often placed so that it can be viewed by passers-by in the street. Many living or family rooms are on the street-side in American homes. 

Decorations
Many families also decorate outside of the home with regional traditions and according to the weather. Some form of lighting are often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. There are snowmen, Santas, manger scenes, snowflakes, reindeer, and other lighted displays in many neighborhoods. Others outline the architectural features of their homes in lights. There is sometimes a creche placed that represents the stable wherein the Christ child was born and has Mary, Joseph, the Child and various animals in attendance. 

Food
Food plays an important part in the American Christmas. It is often a time of an extended open house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. At this time it is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats prepared in advance for these occasions. Although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner, the standard fare seems to include turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, a salad and some sort of dessert. 

Churches
Various churches play an important part in the American Christmas. Many families feel that it is important to go to church on Christmas. There are also a variety of associated activities such as church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, special church services, and a fostering of the spirit of giving to those less fortunate.

Source:
http://www.happywink.org/christmas-day/christmas-in-america.html

Anagrams

Do you like playing with words?
Try to solve these anagrams!
Example: ARE // a part of the head - EAR

1. TOOLS // a seat without a back or arms 
2. MILES // an expression which means that you are pleased 
3. MEAT // a group of players in a competitive game 
4. READ // a person you esteem 
5. DEEPS // velocity 
6. LEADER // a player who gives cards in a game 
7. LISTEN // not making any noise 
8. MASTER // a small, narrow river 
9. TAVERNS // a person that serves others 
10. ADMIRER // not single  

Idioms related to Shopping

Thank God, Christmas is coming!
That means summer, vacation, beach... but before all that, shopping!
Have you shopped for any Christmas presents yet?
Well, to help your English learning, here are some idioms related to shopping:

shop around	If you shop around, you visit a number of shops selling similar articles in order to compare the prices.You can usually save money by shopping around.
shop till you drop	If you shop till you drop, you go shopping for a very long time, until you are exhausted.In Brazil, people usually shop till they drop the day before Christmas.
shopping spree	If you go on a shopping spree, you enjoy a lively outing, usually with much spending of money.Many Brazilias go on a shopping spree as soon as they get their thirteenth salary.
shopping therapy	This term refers to the idea that buying things can make you feel better.A little shopping therapy can usually cheer up some women.
window shopping	When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.

Funny Sentences!

1. I’ll buy you 11 Roses; 10 real and 1 fake. And I’ll love you until the last rose dies.
2. I am a nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore, I am perfect.
3. I stepped on a cornflake, and now I am a cereal killer.
4. Isn’t having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing section in a swimming pool?
5. Future depends on your dreams. So go to sleep.
6. You all laugh because I’m different – I laugh because you’re all the same.
7. Children in backseats cause accidents. Accidents in backseats cause children.
8. Smile, it makes people wonder what you are thinking.
9. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.
10. Behind every successful man, there is a woman. And behind every unsuccessful man, there are two or more.

FUN FACTS!

 Match two parts of the sentences to get logical and true statements.

1. An average chocolate bar

2.   It’s impossible to

3.   The youngest pope was

4.   A snail can sleep for

5.   A polar bear’s skin is

6.   A crocodile can’t

7.   “Typewriter”

8.   Starfish

9.   Butterflies

10. Elephants

11. Cats

12. The strongest muscle in your body is

13. “Stewardesses”

A.  have 32 muscles in each ear.

B.  is the longest word that can be typed using the letter on only one row of the keyboard.

C.  3 years.

D.  stick its tongue out.

E.   has 8 insects’ legs in it.

F.   black.

G.  11 years old.

H.  the tongue.

I.    haven’t got brains.

J.  can’t jump.

K. taste with their feet.

L. is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.

M. sneeze with your eyes open.

RIDDLES

Are you good at solving riddles?
Try to answer these before reading the answers!

1. Why did the man throw the butter out the window?

2. Why did the man put the clock in the safe?

3. What has a neck, but no head?

4. How do you spell mousetrap?

5. What can't be used until it's broken? 

6. Do you know why birds fly to south in the winter?

1.    He wanted to see the butterfly.

 2.  He wanted to save time.

3. A bottle.

4.  C-A-T.

5. An egg.

6. Because it's too far to walk there.

A joke for you!

10 inventions by stupid people

1. water proof towel
2. solar powered flashlight
3. submarine screen door
4. a book on how to read
5. inflatable dart board
6. a dictionary index
7. ejector seat in a helicopter
8. powdered water
9. pedal powered wheel chair
10. water proof tea bag