Daily News Lesson Roundup: Christmas
Do you know about Engoo's Daily News service? It's a collection of short English lessons based on real news stories from around the world.
This time, we'd like to highlight 10 articles based on Christmas. Several of these stories are about how the holiday is celebrated in different countries. Others cover topics like Christmas movies and even an incredible story of rival soldiers who stopped fighting briefly to enjoy the day together.
Have a look at the summaries below; we think you'll find something interesting!
Survey Reveals Worst Christmas Gifts in Britain
It can be exciting to open gifts on Christmas morning. However, there's no guarantee that you'll actually like what you've been given. This article is a fun look at some of the not-so-popular gifts people have received.
Level 5: Intermediate
Iceland’s Book-Loving Christmas Eve Tradition
Christmas traditions can be quite different from culture to culture. One very unique one can be found in Iceland, and it links back to the country's history during World War II.
Level 7: Advanced
5 Ways Christmas is Different in Japan
Another nation with Christmas traditions that may surprise you is Japan. You can see holiday lights and hear popular Christmas songs in Japanese cities, but other things — like food and connections to religion — are different from what you might expect.
Level 6: Intermediate
Eat, Drink and Be Merry at These Christmas Markets
A great way to experience a country's holiday season traditions is by visiting a local Christmas market. This article introduces markets in five different cities across the world. What makes each one unique, and what ties them together?
Level 7: Advanced
Ghost of Christmas Past: Who Was Charles Dickens?
Charles Dickens is responsible for one of the most famous Christmastime stories in Western literature. But his difficult childhood was a big influence on that story and on others that he is known for. This article takes a brief look at his life and legacy.
Level 6: Intermediate
Where Do Christmas Traditions Come From?
Everyone around the world knows at least a little about Christmas, but how many know the history behind it? If you were ever curious about the origins of Christmas trees as well as holiday sweets and songs, this is the Daily News lesson for you.
Level 7: Advanced
Comedy or Action: Which Christmas Film is Right for You?
Most people probably think of an animated family film or a drama when "Christmas movie" is mentioned. However, you can find holiday movies in other genres as well. Here's a look at ones that are packed with action or packed with jokes.
Level 6: Intermediate
Scoring Goals for Peace: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Would you believe it if someone told you that soldiers from two different armies temporarily stopped fighting in order to relax and hang out with one another? Some people think it happened, but was it a true Christmas miracle or simply a lie?
Level 6: Intermediate
Holiday Seasons Brings Stress to Many Americans
Christmas and other year-end celebrations are thought to be a time of joy and happiness spent with family. However, that isn't always how it is in reality. In fact, for many people, Christmastime brings many of the opposite feelings and emotions. But why? And what can be done about it?
Level 6: Intermediate
25 Years After Release, Christmas Classic Hits No. 1
We've written two different articles about Christmas songs, both old ones and newer ones. But one song, originally released in 1994, took quite a long time before reaching the top of the music charts. Can you guess what it is?
Level 6: Intermediate
Wrap-up
Christmas has a deep history and has been adapted to fit the cultures and values of people from every part of the world. For many, it's a religious celebration tied to spiritual beliefs. For others, it may be a day of romance or a source of inspiration for great works of creativity.
What does Christmas mean to you? Why not use one of these Daily News articles — or one of the thousands of others — and study them with an Engoo tutor? It's a great way to learn!
