Hello and welcome to English with Ally! 

I'm Ally and this is the grand finale of our Christmas series! Over the past episodes, we’ve explored everything from cherished religious traditions to the more quirky, secular customs that many English-speaking communities follow during the festive season. As well as over-eating (unavoidable!), carol singing (absolutely!) and wearing those infamous ugly jumpers (why not!), we saw how Christmas pops up in the pop culture of movies and TV shows and also in high culture, inspiring some of the greatest poets and writers to retell the story through a fresh perspective.

Today, we’re wrapping things up with a light-hearted festive checklist - full of Xmas vocabulary - so you’ll be ready to celebrate in style, or at least sound like you are one of Santa's little helpers! 

There is a long vocabulary list in the show notes today (see below), so do check this out before you listen to help with the comprehension.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey to learn English and discover the traditions and culture behind Christmas. I’d love to hear what topics you’d like me to cover next, so please get in touch at helloenglishwithally[at]gmail.com

Share this podcast with a friend, grab your worksheet and have a wonderful Christmas filled with peace, joy and learning.

I am sure you join me in wishing for "Peace on earth, goodwill to men’ (Luke 2:14). Merry Christmas Everyone!   

Download the Christmas Activity worksheet Gift pdf

Vocabulary

• January clearance – big sales in January when prices are very low.
• To untangle – to separate things that are twisted or tied together.
• Bling – shiny, bright decorations or jewellery.
• Vibe – the feeling or mood of a place.
• Sorted – organized or finished; everything is ready.
• Prezzies – informal word for presents or gifts.
• To pass off – to make something seem like something else.
• To pop by – to visit quickly without planning.
• To dash – to go somewhere very quickly.
• Chocs – informal word for chocolates.
• To stock up on something – to buy a lot so you have enough later.
• To drop by – same as “pop by,” visit quickly.
• A cuppa – informal word for a cup of tea.
• To run out of – to have no more of something.
• To clutch – to hold something tightly.
• To take down – to remove something that was hanging.

Learn the language, discover the culture.