No matter what race, religion, or ethnicity, on the third Thursday in November, most people in the US sit down to a Thanksgiving meal. For some, it’s a traditional dinner, with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Others might serve all vegetarian food. Still others might include foods that reflect their cultural heritage, like turkey with kimchi or tamales instead of stuffing. Whatever food might be on the table, Thanksgiving is about ritual. It’s about getting together with loved ones. And it’s about giving thanks and being grateful for what you have. Hear Marni and Greta’s thoughts about Thanksgiving in this English lesson. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

In the US, many people write thank you notes when they receive a gift. It is considered the minimum courtesy toward the gift-giver to acknowledge the thoughtfulness and usefulness of the gift.However, many Americans never write thank you notes, the younger generations especially. It seems that we may be losing this custom.If you are in the States and someone gives you a gift to honor your arrival, your birthday, a holiday or any other occasion, it is best to write them a card thanking them for the gift. It is also nice to thank people who let you stay in their home or cook a meal for you.A thank you note can be very brief. Here is an example:Dear Mrs. Robinson,Thank you so much for the bracelet you gave me for my birthday. It will always remind me of you and of my visit to your city. I appreciate your thinking of me.Warm regards,KayaAfter you write it, make sure you have the correct address, put a stamp on it and drop it in the mail.Listen to Amanda and Kevin talk about thank you notes. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“Today, I really need some chill time.”

—Ebaby!’s Sheila, speaking about needing to relax -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“Do you get bad allergies?”

—Ebaby!’s Sheila, speaking about having an allergic reaction -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“I wanted to encourage you guys to hang in there when it comes to speaking English because English is a hard language.”

—Ebaby!’s Kat, speaking about being patient -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Many students can agree that one of the times that they look forward to the most is the summer! The sun is out, the weather is great, there’s no homework, and you can do whatever you want! Unless, of course, you have summer school or a summer job.

But some students like having a summer job. It’s a great opportunity to earn their own money and gain valuable work experience.

Brian and Marni talk about taking on seasonal work. Find out more in today’s English lesson about how some students spend their summer vacations. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“Are you a bibliophile? I definitely am.”

—Ebaby!’s Sheila, speaking about her love of books -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Different things can annoy one person but not bother another person. It can be something little like watching someone chew their food with their mouth open. Or it may be something that bothers a lot of people like drivers who don’t obey traffic laws.

Everyone has pet peeves. Since we can’t control the way people behave, we are sure to find people who act in a way that we don’t like. Even if you try to ignore a pet peeve, sometimes it’s so annoying that it’s all you can think about.

Marni complains to Kellie about the kinds of people who annoy her. Find out more in today’s English lesson about pet peeves. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Living with your parents can be nice. They pay for rent, food, and many other things. But there comes a time for all of us when we need to leave the nest. If you want to become independent, you have to move out at some point.

Moving out can be hard. It is sometimes difficult to pay all the bills. And you have to cook for yourself. But many people like living alone, because it means having their own space.

Brian is going to help his brother move out this weekend. Listen to Sara’s advice in today’s English lesson about leaving the nest. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Have you ever volunteered to help your neighborhood? Some people believe that it is very important to give back to their communities. It can make you feel good and also help change your community for the better.

There are many different things that people can do that they enjoy for community service. It can be anything from helping to serve lunch at a homeless shelter to picking up trash in local parks. There will always be a need for people who are willing to give their time to help.

Marni tells Gary about her recent community service. Find out more in today’s English lesson about volunteering one’s time. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com