Speak English Now through mini-stories with teacher Georgiana

Hi everyone! I’m your English teacher Georgiana, founder of speakenglishpodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently.

In this episode, I’ll talk about the Christmas holidays. And after that, you’ll practice your English speaking with an exciting mini-story about a man dressed in red.

Alright! Let’s start!

Ah! It's Christmas at last! I don't know about you, but I love this time of year. I start to think about what presents to give to my family and friends. Normally I make a list, so I don't forget anyone. Can you imagine forgetting someone? That would be terrible! That's why I start very early to plan what presents to give to everyone.

Finding the right gift for someone can be difficult, so what I usually do is search online for gift ideas. And buying online helps me avoid the holiday crowds.

To really feel the Christmas spirit, I like preparing a pot with a delightful scent using orange, cinnamon, apple cider, and clove. I let everything boil throughout the day so that the fragrance spreads throughout the house.

At this time of year, I also love to listen to Christmas songs.

I can recommend some popular Christmas songs:

• “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey.
• "Last Christmas" by Wham!
• "Let It, Snow! Let It, Snow! Let It Snow!” by Frank Sinatra.
  "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms.
• and something from Michael Bublé’s Christmas album.

Plus, I enjoy placing Christmas lights and decorations. I sometimes use social media to find unique decorations.

Did you know that some Americans use popcorn threaded on a string to help decorate their Christmas Tree?

Or that in New England, you can find some shops called "Christmas Shops." There they sell Christmas decorations and toys throughout the entire year!

There are many classic Christmas movies that you can watch on TV at this time of year. Here are some examples:

• It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
• Holiday Inn (1942)
• A Christmas Story (1983)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
• Elf (2003)
• Bad Santa (2003)
• Love Actually (2003)
• The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a tree! Christmas trees are the symbol of the season. I love having a real tree and decorate it along with my family and friends.

The Christmas trees tradition started in Germany in the 16th century. Protestant reformer Martin Luther first added lighted candles to a tree to remind his children of the wonders of God's creation. 

Nowadays, many Americans buy a fresh evergreen tree or a plastic model and decorate it with lights and ornaments.

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