B1 B2-level story with exra Christmas idioms included. I have re-written this story for my English students.

Ebenezer Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas dinner and surprises Bob Cratchit with some astonishing news.

Phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase in the story? You can see the answers after you listen in the audioscript below.
 
1) Give somebody the cold shoulder
To be rude to somebody by ignoring them.
e.g. I think my colleagues were jealous I got a promotion at work, as they gave me the cold shoulder.

2) Christmas comes but once a year
We should take advantage of a special event and enjoy it - because they don't happen very often.
e.g. Let's stop arguing and enjoy ourselves at this party - Christmas comes but once a year.

3) Be in the holiday spirit
Mostly refers to Christmas holidays. To enjoy onself at Christmas, and forget work or studies.
e.g. I've put all my study books away. I want to be in the holiday spirit.

4) The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Only by actually doing something can we know something is really true.
e.g. I think I've fixed this computer, but let's switch it on and see. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

5) Skating on thin ice
Taking a big risk.
e.g. When John argued with the boss yesterday, he was skating on thin ice. He could lose his job.

6) A piece of cake
Something is very easy to do.
e.g. I can solve the puzzle of the Rubik's cube easily now. It's a piece of cake.

7) The more the merrier
The more people who join a group the better the event will be.
e.g. 'Can I join you and Mary for coffee?' 'Of course! The more the merrier!'

8) Feel at home (make yourself at home)
Feel comfortable in somebody else's home.
e.g. 'Please, take a seat. Make yourself at home!' 'Thank you, I feel very much at home.'

9) Be my guest
Said when somebody offers you food in their home.
e.g. 'May I have another biscuit? They're delicious!' 'Please! Be my guest!'

10) Make merry
to enjoy yourself at a party
e.g. I feel really tired today. Yesterday I ws making merry at Steve's birthday party.'

You can see the answers, and read the full transcript to the story at my website here:

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Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)