CHRISTMAS IN GREAT BRITAIN (1)

           For most British families, this is the most important festi­val of the year. This is the day when many people are travel­ling home to be with their families on Christmas Day. If you try to catch a train on 24th December you may have difficulty in finding a seat. There are a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but the most important one is giving of presents. Family members wrap up their gifts and leave them at the bot­tom of the Christmas tree to be bound on Christmas morning. At some time on Christmas Day the family will sit down to a big turkey dinner followed by Christmas pudding.

          In the afternoon they may watch the Queen on the television as she delivers her traditional Christmas message to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. Then they enjoy a piece of Christmas cake or eat a hot mince pie. On the Sunday be­fore Christmas many churches hold a service where special hymns are sung. Sometimes singers can be heard in the streets as they collect money for charity. Most families decorate the houses with brightly-coloured paper or holly, and they usual­ly have a Christmas tree in the corner of the room, glittering with coloured lights and decoration. 26th December is also a public holiday, called Boxing Day. This is the time to visit friends and relatives or be a spectator at one of many sporting events.

             Everyone in Great Britain is waiting and enjoying this ho­liday very much.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the most important festival in Great Britain?

2.  Is it difficult to catch a train on 24th December?

3.  Are there many traditions connected with Christmas in Great Britain?

4.  What do the family do during this holiday?

5.  Do you like the way Christmas is celebrated in Great Britain?

VOCABULARY:

to wrap up — заворачивать, упаковывать

gift — подарок

turkey — индюшка

charity — милосердие