English with Ally

Hello everyone, and welcome to English with Ally!  

In previous episodes, I've looked at different secular, or non-religious, customs around Christmas, but this episode will focus on religious traditions from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities. 

But first, let’s look at some key words you’ll hear in the episode:

• Mass: A special church ceremony in the Catholic tradition.
• Hymns: religious songs
• Manger: A wooden trough for feeding animals, where baby Jesus was placed according to the Nativity story.
• Supper: An evening meal, often linked to religious celebrations.
• To fast:  not to eat
• Apostles: There were twelve original followers of Jesus in the Bible, they were called the twelve apostles
• Liturgy: The set prayers and rituals used in Christian worship.
• Wreath: A circle of greenery, often decorated, used during Advent.
• Christingle: An orange decorated with a candle, ribbon, and sweets, symbolising Jesus as the Light of the World.
• Services: Religious gatherings or ceremonies in a church.

Listen out for these words during the episode!

Roman Catholic Traditions

One of the most important traditions is Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Families gather at church to celebrate the birth of Jesus with prayers and hymns. Another favourite is the Nativity Scene, showing baby Jesus in a manger with Mary, Joseph and shepherds. Many homes and churches display these scenes during Advent and Christmas.

Orthodox Traditions

In Orthodox traditions, Christmas is often celebrated on 7 January, following the Julian calendar. A key tradition is the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve, which usually includes 12 meatless dishes symbolising the12  apostles. People also fast before Christmas and attend a long, beautiful Divine Liturgy. In some countries, carollers go from house to house singing hymns.

Protestant Traditions

Protestant communities often focus on Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Families light candles on an Advent Wreath and read Bible verses. Many churches hold Christmas carol services, and some have candlelight Services on Christmas Eve. In countries like Germany and the UK, Protestants also enjoy Christingle services, where children hold oranges decorated with candles and ribbons to represent Jesus as the Light of the World.

These traditions—whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant—share one message: hope, peace and joy. 

Well, that's all for today, do listen to my previous episodes to find out more about Christmas while practicing your listening skills. I'm sharing an episode a day up to the 24th December, Christmas Eve.

You can get in touch by emailing helloenglishwithally[at]gmail.com, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for joining me on English with Ally. See you tomorrow. 

Wishing all my listeners hope, peace and joy over the coming months.

Learn the language, discover the culture.

Hi everyone, welcome back to English with Ally! 

Today, we’re exploring one of the most famous Christmas stories ever written: Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. We’ll look at the story, its symbols and moral lessons and why this short book still matters today.

But first let's look at some vocabulary you can listen out for

• Grumpy - bad-tempered
• Symbolism – The use of symbols or images to communicate ideas
• Regret - a feeling of sadness or disappointment for a past action
• Empathy - affinity or understanding
• Mortality - death
• Warning - cautionary advice
• Redemption – the act of being saved or forgiven after doing something wrong.
• Harsh - hard or difficult
• Burden - a heavy weight to carry
• Miser – a person who hoards money and spends as little as possible.
• Compassion – concern for others and a desire to help them.

Try to listen for these words during the episode!

You probably know the basics: Ebenezer Scrooge is a rich, grumpy man who hates Christmas. Then, over three nights, three ghosts visit him—and his life changes forever. 

But this story is more than just a winter's tale. It’s full of symbolism—characters and objects that represent deeper ideas.

Let’s start with the ghosts:

• The Ghost of Christmas Past symbolizes memory and regret—reminding Scrooge of lost chances.
• The Ghost of Christmas Present stands for generosity and empathy—showing the joy of sharing.
• The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come represents fear and mortality—a warning about the future.

Then there’s Scrooge himself. He’s a symbol of greed and isolation. His cold, dark home reflects his cold heart. When he changes, it shows that anyone can choose kindness and achieve redemption.

Tiny Tim is another powerful symbol—he represents innocence and vulnerability. His health reminds readers of the harsh reality for poor families in Victorian England.

And don’t forget Scrooge's friend Marley and Marley’s chains—they symbolize the burden of selfishness. Marley warns Scrooge: if you live only for money, you’ll carry those chains forever.

There is a real moral message in this story -  Dickens wanted readers to see that Christmas is about compassion, not wealth. He believed society should care for the poor and value human connection. These lessons still matter today. A Christmas Carol isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that a life full of kindness for others is a fulfilling life. That’s why it’s still read and loved around the world.

Have you read A Christmas Carol? Have you ready any of Dicken's other novels? Let me know by emailing me at helloenglishwithAlly[at]gmail.com. 

And don’t forget to subscribe for more cultural and language tips! See you tomorrow and as Dicken's himself would have said - Merry Christmas!

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Hi there listener, welcome back to English with Ally! I'm Ally.

Today, we’re going back in time—to Victorian England—to understand why Charles Dickens has been called “the man who invented Christmas.” Sounds dramatic, right? And while that is an exaggeration, Dickens did shape the way we celebrate Christmas today.

 Some vocabulary to listen out for:

Factories - big buildings where many people worked 

To be in full swing - to be in progress

Cramped - too small

Poverty - the state of not having any money

Household - connected to the house

To dip - to go down

To boost - to improve

Miser - a person who is not generous

Imagine London in 1840: smoky streets, factories everywhere, horse-drawn carriages and lots of unpleasant smells. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Britain was rich in industry, but life for ordinary people? Hard. Many families lived in cramped housing, children worked long hours and poverty was everywhere.

Christmas back then wasn’t the big holiday we know today. It was mostly a quiet, religious day—maybe a church visit and a simple meal. No big family gatherings, no festive decorations and definitely no Christmas cards or ugly jumpers yet!

And here enters our writer. By 1843, Dickens was already a famous author—his early novels had made him a household name. But his popularity was starting to dip, and he was under financial pressure. He needed a hit and he needed it quickly!

So he started to think about a new book. He started writing A Christmas Carol in October and by mid-December it was finished! And wow—what an impact! In just a few days, the first edition was sold out. It was an instant success with readers and critics. It didn’t just boost his career—it changed Victorian culture.

Why? Because Dickens gave Christmas heart and meaning. The story wasn’t just about one man—it was about society. He wanted people to think about generosity, kindness and community. Through his main character's transformation—from a miser to a generous man—Dickens showed that Christmas should be a time for compassion, joy and hope. 

And here’s the amazing part: Dickens helped revive old traditions like carol singing and he popularized new ones—family dinners, charity and ugly jumpers - eh no! - but definitely festive cheer! Even the phrase “Merry Christmas” became common thanks to his book!

So, why do some people say Dickens “invented Christmas”? Because he turned it from a quiet day into a joyful season of family, generosity and celebration—the Christmas we know today. And he saved his own career in the process!

Tomorrow, I’ll share more about the book A Christmas Carol so if you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to look out for it.

Is there a writer that you think captures the spirit of Christmas or your favourite celebration? Let me know at helloenglishwithAlly[at]gmail.com.

Subscribe for more culture and language practice! And Merry Christmas!

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Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about one of the best parts of the festive season: Christmas food. From savoury dishes to sweet treats, food is at the heart of Christmas celebrations. And if you are a foodie or have a sweet tooth—meaning you love sugary things—this episode is just for you!

Some words to listen out for in this episode are:

• Foodie - someone who loves or is knowledgeable about food
• Sweet tooth – a love for sweet foods.
• Stuffing – a mixture of bread, herbs, and spices used to fill meat like turkey.
• Mince pies – small sweet pies filled with dried fruit and spices 
• Christmas pudding – a rich, steamed dessert made with dried fruit suet, and spices.
• Christmas cake – a dense fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing.
• Leftovers – food remaining after a meal.

I'm feeling hungry already…

Do you know what the classic Christmas dinner includes?  Roast turkey (like a chicken but bigger!), stuffing  and bread sauce to go with the turkey and then  roast potatoes, and vegetables like Brussels sprouts - this is a very divisive vegetable as people either love them (like me) or hate them! Delicious! I only eat turkey at Christmas time, we'll have the main meal on Christmas day, the 25th, and then we'll eat the leftover turkey for a few days afterwards, in a salad or in a curry.

These are all savoury foods but for those with a sweet tooth, the real stars are the special desserts:

• Mince pies –sweet not filled with meat but with dried fruit and spices. They are traditionally eaten throughout December.
• Christmas pudding – my favourite - a rich, hot dessert served on Christmas Day - we set it on fire with brandy for a very dramatic effect!
• Christmas cake – a dense fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing. 

Both the Christmas pudding and the Christmas cake can be made weeks in advance so the flavours develop. My grandmother, my gran, made  her puddings in May!

So they all seem the same, what's the difference?

• Mince pies are individual and eaten as a sweet treat.
• Christmas pudding is steamed and served hot after dinner.
• Christmas cake is baked, iced, and sliced—perfect for tea time.

As with many celebrations, food plays an important role as we eat with family or friends.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Have you ever tried mince pies, Christmas pudding, or Christmas cake? Do you have a favourite food that is connected to a feast or special day? Let me know, you can email me on [email protected].

That’s all for today. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. Merry Christmas!

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Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! 

This episode is about possibly the quirkiest festive tradition of them all: Ugly Christmas Jumpers. These colourful, sometimes ridiculous sweaters have become a regular part of holiday celebrations. But where did this trend come from? Let’s find out! 

Here's some key vocabulary to listen out for:

• Ugly – not pretty
• Joke - something to make people laugh
• Snowflake – a small piece of snow that falls from the sky, often used as a design on jumpers.
• Reindeer – an animal often associated with Christmas and Santa’s sleigh.
• Old-fashioned - not on trend
• Ugliest - the superlative of ugly 
• Trend – something that becomes popular for a period of time.
• Quirkiest  – the most unusual - in a fun or interesting way.

The relatively-recent tradition of wearing ugly Christmas jumpers started as a joke. In the 1980s, festive sweaters were popular, often featuring snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees. Over time, these designs were seen as old-fashioned and became a source of humour.

In the early 2000s, the idea of wearing an “ugly” jumper for fun took off, especially in the UK and North America. People began buying the ugliest Christmas jumpers they could find to wear at parties.

Today, ugly jumpers are everywhere at Christmas time! Shops sell them with flashing lights, 3D decorations, and even musical features. There’s even a National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day in December. Celebrities and TV shows have embraced the trend, making it a festive favourite because it brings joy to the viewers and that makes it perfect for Christmas

You have probably seen the ugly jumper phenomenon  in films and TV shows. For example:

• Bridget Jones’s Diary – features the famous scene where Mark Darcy wears a reindeer jumper.
• The Big Bang Theory and Friends also have episodes with characters in festive sweaters.

These moments show how the "tradition" has become part of pop culture. I really think this has to be one of the quirkiest new traditions

Do you own an ugly Christmas jumper? I used to have one with a reindeer on it. Do you have a similar tradition in your culture to wear something quirky to celebrate a special occasion? Let me know! You can email me on [email protected]

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you the next time. Merry Christmas!

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Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! 

Today we’re talking about a lovely festive tradition -  and one of my favourites - Christmas cards. Where did they come from? Why do we send them? And how has this tradition changed over time? Let’s find out!

First, some words to listen out for:

• Victorian England - England during the time of Queen Victoria
• Greeting – a message to say hello or express good wishes.
• Affordable - cheap enough to buy
• Goodwill – kindness and friendly feelings towards others.
• Personalised – made special for one person, often with their name or photo.
• Matching outfits - the same clothes

The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in Victorian England. The very first commercial Christmas card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, who wanted an easy way to send holiday greetings to friends and family. The card featured a festive scene and the words “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.

At that time, sending cards became popular because of the Penny Post, which made mailing letters affordable for everyone. Soon, Christmas cards spread across Europe and America, becoming a symbol of holiday cheer. Sending cards became a sign of good manners and social connection, and beautifully illustrated cards were often collected as memorabilia.

Nowadays, Christmas cards are a way to share goodwill, keep in touch, and show people you’re thinking of them during the festive season. They often include warm wishes, family photos, or even a short letter about the year gone by. Some families even make personalised cards with photos and matching outfits or creative designs.  In the TV show Modern Family, the family tries to create an elaborate festive photo for their Christmas card. That's in (Season 3, Episode 10, “Express Christmas”) 

Many people still send traditional paper cards, which I love, but digital cards and e-cards are becoming more common. My mother, my sister and my aunt all send me a traditional Christmas card every year and I never throw them away. They usually buy them from a charity which is a great way for the charity to make money for their good cause. Every year, I take out the same cards and decorate my home with the old ones and the new cards - they've become part of my Christmas decorations and are very special to me.

Have you ever received or sent a Christmas card? Do you prefer paper cards or digital ones? I have to say, it's much more exciting for me to receive something in the post.

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas!

Learn the language, discover the culture.

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! It's me, Ally!

Today's episode is on Christmas shopping but I also want to share a note on why today is important for Roman Catholics. Let's look at some vocabulary first:

Words to listen out for are:

• Feast – a special day of celebration, often with food or religious meaning.
• Holy - sacred, connected to God or religion
• Pickled walnuts - a kind of nut in vinegar
• Window display - what is in a shop window for customers to see
• Sustainable – something that doesn’t harm the environment and can continue long-term.
• Experience gift – a present that is an activity or event, like a spa day or concert ticket.
• Wrapping - the paper or material that covers the present

It's the 8th of December, which is an important date in many Catholic countries, as on this day the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated. This day honours the Virgin Mary,  the mother of Jesus Christ. It’s a public holiday in places like Italy, so for many people, it marks the start of the Christmas season.

I'm in Ireland at the moment and my mother told me today was an important day for Christmas shopping in past times. As it was a holy day, people did not have to work and so they would go into the towns or cities to do their shopping! 

So today we'll look at Christmas shopping as one of the biggest traditions of the festive season. People buy gifts for family and friends, decorations for their homes, and all the little extras that make Christmas special, for example my father, who is English, buys pickled walnuts to eat! 

Shopping may seem very commercial for a holy time of the year, but gift-giving may have been inspired by the story of the Three Wise Men bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. Over time, this evolved into people exchanging presents with loved ones. 

In many countries, people start shopping early—sometimes as early as Black Friday in November. Shops are decorated with lights, Christmas music plays, and there’s a real sense of excitement in the air. Some shop windows have beautiful window displays, for example, Selfridges in London - you can see their window displays online on Youtube or social media platforms. 

Nowadays, shopping isn’t just about going to the high street. Many people buy presents online, and some even choose experience gifts instead of physical presents - such a cookery lesson or tickets to a theatre show. There’s also a growing trend for homemade gifts and eco-friendly wrapping to make Christmas more sustainable. 

Films often depict the stress of Christmas shopping such as

• Jingle All the Way – a comedy about a father desperately trying to buy the perfect toy.
• Love Actually – features classic London Christmas shopping scenes.

Do you enjoy Christmas shopping, or do you find it stressful, like me? Do you prefer buying gifts in shops or online? Let me know!

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. Merry Christmas!

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Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about a really fun tradition called Secret Santa. You may have seen this played on some TV shows. What is it? Where does it come from? Who plays it? Do you know?

Before I begin, a listener has suggested I introduce new vocabulary at the start of the topic, so here are some words I'll use and their definitions.  

• Gifts - another word for presents
• Anonymous – without a name or identity.
• To Reveal – to make something known.
• Charity shop - a shop where the money supports a good cause

Okay? Listen out for those words.

The idea of Secret Santa is simple: a group of people exchange gifts anonymously. Each person gets the name of another person in the group and buys a present for that person, without revealing who they are until the gift is opened.

The tradition is believed to have started in the United States in the 20th century. The name “Secret Santa” connects to Santa Claus, who delivers gifts secretly at Christmas.

Secret Santa is popular not only in the United States but also in Canada and the United Kingdom played in offices and schools. Sometimes there are "rules" that you cannot spend more than £10 or you have to buy the present in a charity shop to make the game more elaborate.

Secret Santa has appeared in some modern Christmas films and TV shows as a fun plot device. For example in the US TV show The Office there is a famous Secret Santa episode full of surprises and laughs.

Have you ever played Secret Santa - at work or with friends? What’s the best gift you’ve ever given or received, if so ? Let me know!

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. 

Learn the language, discover the culture.

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re exploring two festive figures that many people think are the same: Santa Claus and Father Christmas. Are they really identical? Let’s find out!

Santa Claus, as we know him today, comes from the Dutch figure Sinterklaas, which is based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop famous for his generosity and gift-giving. Dutch people brought this tradition to America in the 17th century, and over time, Santa Claus evolved into the jolly man in red we know today. His modern image was popularised in the 1930s by Coca-Cola adverts, showing him with a big beard, red suit, and sleigh full of toys.

Father Christmas, on the other hand, has a different story. He dates back to 15th-century England as a personification of Christmas cheer and merriment. Originally, Father Christmas wasn’t about gifts for children—he represented adult eating, drinking, and celebration. Over time, he adopted traits from Santa Claus, but in Britain, he still carries a sense of traditional customs like wassailing.  

So, what’s the difference?

• Santa Claus: Focuses on children, gifts, and the North Pole workshop with elves.
• Father Christmas: Rooted in British traditions, originally about festive cheer rather than presents.

Today, they look very similar—both wear red suits and deliver gifts—but their histories show unique cultural nuances.

Despite their different origins, both figures share the same spirit: joy, generosity, and goodwill. They remind us that kindness and celebration are often considered to be at the heart of Christmas.

Today’s key words are:

• Dutch - adjective for people from the Netherlands
• Jolly - happy and joyful 
• Sleigh – a type of sled pulled by animals, often associated with Santa Claus.
• Cheer – happiness and positivity, especially during celebrations.
• Merriment – fun and enjoyment, often in a festive setting.
• Traits - characteristics
• Wassailing /ˈwɒs.eɪ.lɪŋ/  – an old English tradition of singing carols and drinking to health during Christmas.
• Elves – small magical helpers who make toys for Santa Claus in his workshop.
• Nuance – a subtle difference in meaning or detail.
• Goodwill – kindness and friendly feelings towards others.

Is there a cultural figure in your country who shares the same spirit of joy, generosity and goodwill as Santa and Father Christmas in December or at other times of the year? 

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. Merry Christmas!

Learn the language, discover the culture.

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today I'll be talking about Christmas movies – do you want to guess which films I shall talk about?

Naturally at Christmas, some people may watch films about the life of Christ such as

• The Nativity Story – a film about Mary and Joseph and the journey to Bethlehem.
  or
• The Greatest Story Ever Told – a classic retelling of the life of Jesus

But there are other classics shown on TV that we watch year after year.  More modern Christmas films can also be blockbusters, meaning they’re big, popular movies that lots of people go to see. And of course, every film has a plot – that’s the story of what happens - that may have nothing to do with religion at all.

For example, Home Alone is a hilarious story about a boy left behind at Christmas. His family goes on holiday to Paris and accidentally leaves him at home. At first, Kevin enjoys his freedom, but when two burglars try to break in, he has to protect his house. In the end, his family rushes back and they reunite just in time for Christmas. This could be described as a feel-good film because it makes us happy and give us that cosy, holiday feeling. 

Or what about Die Hard – yes, it’s an action film, but it takes place at Christmas, so many people call it a Christmas movie! The whole story happens during a Christmas Eve party, with decorations, music, and there is even the theme of family and reconciliation. Over time, watching Die Hard at Christmas has become a quirky tradition for many fans.

These films connect to the importance of family as the heart of Christmas celebrations.

A British film which has become a Christmas tradition in the UK is The Snowman. This is a beautiful, animated film about a boy and his snowman who comes to life. They share a magical adventure, flying through the night sky to meet Father Christmas. It’s famous for the song Walking in the Air. 

The central message is about the beauty and fragility of special moments. It celebrates imagination, friendship and the magic of childhood, but also reminds us that these moments don’t last forever – just like the snowman melts at the end. 

Today’s key words are:

• Movie or film? - movie is used in American English and film in British English (usually)
• Nativity – the birth of Jesus Christ, often shown in a “Nativity scene at Christmas . From Latin nativitas meaning “birth”.
• Blockbuster – a very successful and popular film.
• Plot – the main story of a film or book.
• Feel-good – something that makes you feel happy and positive.
• Christmas Eve - the day before Christmas

So what’s your favourite Christmas film? Is it a classic like Home Alone, a magical one, like The Snowman, a religious film like The Nativity Story, or something more modern? Let me know!

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. Merry Christmas!

Learn the language, discover the culture.