B1/B2

Christmas vocabulary
Match the words with the appropriate definition

1. A decorated tree, often an evergreen, that is a symbol of Christmas.

2. Items used to adorn or beautify the Christmas tree, such as ornaments, tinsel, and

lights.

3. Small decorative items hung on the Christmas tree, typically made of glass, plastic, or

metal.

4. Shiny, thin strips of material (often plastic or metallic) used to add sparkle to the

Christmas tree.

5. Large, usually fabric socks that are hung by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill with

gifts.

6. A circular arrangement of evergreen branches, often adorned with decorations and

hung on doors as a symbol of welcome.

7. A jolly, fictional character who is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

8. Large, horned animals that are traditionally believed to pull Santa Claus's sleigh.

9. A type of vehicle, often pulled by reindeer, used by Santa Claus to deliver gifts.

10. Items given to others as a gesture of love and celebration during the Christmas

holiday.

Decorations
Ornaments

Christmas tree

Stockings
Tinsel
Wreath
Santa Claus
Sleigh

Presents/Gifts
Reindeer
11. A depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, often including figures of Mary, Joseph, the

baby Jesus, and various animals.

12. A plant often hung in doorways during Christmas, where it's tradition for people to

kiss underneath it.

13. Groups of people who sing traditional Christmas songs (carols) from house to house.

14. A figure made of snow, typically consisting of three stacked snowballs with arms, a

carrot nose, and other features.

15. A decorative house made from gingerbread cookies and icing, often a fun holiday

activity.

16. A vertical passage in a house that Santa Claus is said to enter through to deliver

presents.

17. A source of light, often used in holiday decorations and ceremonies.

18. A decorative figurine or functional tool used to crack open nuts, often associated

with Christmas due to its use as a holiday decoration and the famous ballet "The

Nutcracker.".

19. A creamy beverage made with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, traditionally consumed

during the holiday season.

20. A curved, striped candy typically flavored with peppermint, often hung on Christmas

trees or given as treats.

Eggnog
Gingerbread house
Candle
Carolers
Snowman
Nutcracker
Chimney
Candy cane
Mistletoe
Nativity scene
 Christmas Vocabulary Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with

appropriate Christmas words and expressions.

1. Every December, many people put up a __________ in their living

room and decorate it with lights and ornaments.
2. Children often hang __________ over the fireplace for Santa Claus to
fill with small gifts and candies.
3. A popular Christmas tradition is singing __________, which are special
songs about the holiday.
4. In many countries, families enjoy a special meal called a __________
dinner on Christmas Day.
5. One of the most famous Christmas stories is Charles Dickens' "A
Christmas __________."
6. Many children believe in __________ Claus, a jolly old man who
delivers presents to kids around the world.
7. A common decoration during Christmas is the __________, often
made of evergreen branches and adorned with bows and baubles.
8. On Christmas Eve, it is a tradition for children to leave out __________
and milk for Santa Claus.
9. In some cultures, people exchange __________, or small gifts, during
the Christmas season.
10. A typical festive treat during Christmas is __________ pie, a sweet pie
filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices.

carols, Carol, Santa, cookies, presents

mince, Christmas tree, Christmas, wreath,
stockings
Translate the sentences:
1. Mikołaj przychodzi w nocy.

2. Dzieci rozpakowują prezenty pod choinką.

3. W Boże Narodzenie, rodzina gromadzi się wokół stołu.

4. Na zewnątrz jest biały śnieg, więc zrobiliśmy bałwana.

5. Babcia upiekła pierniki i udekorowała je.

6. Zawsze wieszałem skarpety przy kominku.

7. Chór śpiewa kolędy na ulicy.

8. Zapach świerku i świec tworzy uroczą świąteczną atmosferę.

9. Kupiliśmy piękny wieniec świąteczny do udekorowania drzwi.

10. Nasza choinka jest wypełniona błyszczącymi ozdobami.

1. ...................................................................................

2. ...................................................................................

3. ...................................................................................

4. ...................................................................................

5. ...................................................................................

6. ...................................................................................

7. ...................................................................................

8. ...................................................................................

9. ...................................................................................

10. ...................................................................................
Answers:
1. Santa Claus arrives during the night.
2. Kids unwrap gifts under the Christmas tree.
3. On Christmas, the family gathers around the dining table.
4. There's white snow outside, so we built a snowman.
5. Grandma baked gingerbread cookies and adorned them.
6. I always hung stockings by the fireplace.
7. A choir sings Christmas carols in the street.
8. The smell of pine and candles creates a lovely holiday atmosphere.
9. We purchased a beautiful Christmas wreath to decorate the door.
10. Our Christmas tree is filled with shiny decorations.
 The Christmas Gift
Once upon a time in a small town, there was a boy named Tim.
Christmas was just around the corner, and Tim couldn't
contain his excitement. He loved everything about Christmas –
the twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine, and, most of all, the
anticipation of gifts.

One chilly evening, Tim sat by the fireplace, his eyes fixed on
the Christmas stockings hanging above. He turned to his
mother and asked, "Mom, why do we hang these stockings?"

His mother smiled and explained, "We hang stockings because

it's a tradition. Legend has it that Santa Claus comes down the
chimney and leaves gifts in the stockings for good children."
His mother nodded. "That's what they say. But remember, the
most important thing about Christmas is spending time with
the ones you love."

On Christmas morning, Tim rushed to the living room, his

heart filled with anticipation. He found a pile of gifts
under the tree, and, sure enough, his stocking was filled
with surprises. But the best gift of all was the joy of
spending the holiday with his family.

1. What did Tim love about Christmas?

2. Why did Tim ask his mother about the stockings?
3. What legend did Tim's mother tell him?
4. What did Tim help decorate the tree with?
5. What did Tim find on Christmas morning?
6. What was the best gift for Tim?
 The Enchanted Christmas

In the heart of a bustling city, there was a small,

quaint bookstore owned by a kind-hearted woman
named Emily. The bookstore was filled with shelves
of books of all genres, but the most special section
was the one dedicated to Christmas stories.

Every year, in the weeks leading up to Christmas,

Emily would invite children from the neighborhood
to listen to holiday tales. They gathered around a
cozy fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, and Emily would
read stories that filled their hearts with wonder.

One cold December evening, as the children settled

in, Emily began reading a story about a magical
Christmas. It was the story of a young boy named
Charlie who, on Christmas Eve, received a
mysterious, old book from his grandmother.

The book was unlike any other, with a cover

made of ancient leather and pages filled with
ornate illustrations. As Charlie turned the pages,
he was transported into a world of
enchantment, where the spirit of Christmas was
alive and vibrant.
 In this magical world, snowflakes danced in
mid-air, and the stars in the sky twinkled with
an ethereal light. Talking animals sang carols,
and the aroma of gingerbread and spiced cider
filled the air.

Charlie met a jolly snowman who guided him through a

snowy forest, a group of elves who shared stories of
their toy-making adventures, and finally, he encountered
Santa Claus himself. Santa handed Charlie a special gift,
a golden key that would unlock the true meaning of
Christmas.

As Emily finished the story, the children were wide-eyed

with wonder and excitement. They realized that
Christmas wasn't just about presents and decorations; it
was about the magic of the season, the joy of giving, and
the warmth of being together with loved ones.

The children left the bookstore that evening with a

newfound appreciation for the enchantment of
Christmas, carrying with them the golden key of
understanding. And so, in Emily's quaint bookstore, the
spirit of Christmas lived on, year after year, as children
and adults alike were touched by the magic of the
season

This story serves as a reminder that the true

enchantment of Christmas can be found not just in the
pages of a book but in the warmth of our hearts and the
love we share with others during this special time of
year.
 Here are some questions related to the
Christmas story:
1. Who owns the quaint bookstore in the heart of the bustling
city?
2. What makes the bookstore's Christmas section special?
3. What did Emily invite children from the neighborhood to do in
her bookstore?
4. How would the children gather when Emily read Christmas
stories?
5. What kind of stories did Emily read to the children in her
bookstore?
6. What was the mysterious gift that Charlie received from his
grandmother on Christmas Eve?
7. Describe the special book that Charlie received.
8. What happened when Charlie turned the pages of the old
book?
9. In the magical world, what were some of the enchanting things
that Charlie encountered?
10. What did Santa Claus give to Charlie in the story?
11. What did the children realize after hearing Emily's story?
12. What did the children leave the bookstore with that evening?
13. How did the story emphasize the true meaning of Christmas?
14. What does the story suggest about the magic of the holiday
season?
 SANTA TELL ME
trying
Fill the gaps
cares
Santa, tell me if you're really there
Don't make me ...... in love again
If he won't be here next year mistletoe
Santa, tell me if he really ........
'Cause I can't give it all away
If he won't be ........ next year

fall Feeling Christmas all around

And I'm ........ to play it cool
But it's hard to focus when I see him walkin' 'cross the room
"Let it Snow" is ............. out
But I won't get in the mood
fling
25th I'm avoiding every ............ until I know
It's true love that he thinks of
So next Christmas
I'm not all .........., boy
woke up true love
Santa, tell me if you're ..........
here
I've been .............. this road before
Fell in love on Christmas night (ooh, babe)
But on New Year's Day, I ............... and he wasn't by my side
Now I need someone to hold
blasting Be my fire in the cold (yeah, yeah)
But it's hard to tell if this is just a ..................
Or if it's ......... ........ that he thinks of
So next Christmas new
I'm not all alone, babe

Santa, tell me if you're ..........

alone
Oh, I wanna have him beside me like oh-oh-oh
On the ........... by that fire place, oh-oh-oh
But I don't want a ............. broken heart
This year I've got to be smart
Ooh, baby
(Santa, tell me, Santa, tell me)
If he will be, if he will be here (Santa, tell me, Santa, tell
me)
down Oh-oh-oh
 A Tapestry of Global Traditions
Christmas, a festive holiday primarily celebrated on December 25th, marks the

birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, but it has also evolved into a widely observed

cultural event around the world. Each country and culture adds its own unique

flavor to the celebration, making Christmas a rich tapestry of global traditions.

In the United States and Canada, Christmas is a blend of religious significance and

popular customs. Families often decorate Christmas trees, a tradition with roots in

Germany, and children eagerly await Santa Claus, a figure derived from St.

Nicholas, a Christian bishop known for his generosity. Exchanging gifts, singing

carols, and enjoying festive meals are also integral parts of the celebration.

Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, Christmas is similar but with some unique

elements. One such tradition is the Christmas cracker - a paper tube that makes a

popping noise when pulled apart, revealing small toys, jokes, and a paper crown.

The British also celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th, originally a day to give

gifts to the less fortunate.

In Germany, the Christmas season begins with Advent, and one of its highlights is

the Christmas market, known as "Weihnachtsmarkt." These markets are famous for

their handcrafted decorations, warm Glühwein (mulled wine), and delicious treats

like Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Another unique German tradition is the Advent

wreath, a ring of fir branches with four candles, symbolizing the four weeks of

Advent.
In Spain, one notable Christmas tradition is the "El Gordo" lottery draw on

December 22nd, widely followed throughout the country. Nativity scenes ("Beléns")

are also prominent in Spanish Christmas celebrations, often being elaborate and

detailed.

In contrast, in Australia and New Zealand, Christmas comes during the summer

season. Hence, their celebrations often include barbecues and beach visits, a stark

contrast to the snowy Christmas of the Northern Hemisphere.

Finally, in Japan, where Christianity is not widely practiced, Christmas is more of a

commercial and secular event. An interesting tradition here is eating KFC on

Christmas Eve, a practice popularized through a successful marketing campaign in

the 1970s.

Despite these varied traditions, the common thread across countries is the spirit of

joy, goodwill, and spending time with loved ones. Christmas, therefore, stands not

just as a religious occasion, but as a global festival of warmth, lights, and shared

happiness.

Questions:
1. What is the main reason Christmas is celebrated worldwide?
2. Describe one unique Christmas tradition in the United Kingdom.
3. How do German Christmas markets contribute to the holiday spirit?
4. What unusual tradition do people in Japan follow on Christmas Eve, and
how did it start?
5. How does the celebration of Christmas in Australia and New Zealand differ
from that in the Northern Hemisphere?
6. Explain the significance of the Advent wreath in Germany.
7. What is a common element in Christmas celebrations across different
countries?
 Here are some discussion questions about Christmas that can be used in
English classes to spark conversation and engage students in a culturally
enriching discussion:
1. Cultural Variations: How is Christmas celebrated in your country? Are there any
unique traditions or customs that differ from other places?
2. Personal Experiences: What is your favorite Christmas memory? Can you share a
special tradition your family follows during the holiday season?
3. Global Perspectives: Why do you think Christmas is celebrated in countries
where Christianity is not the predominant religion?
4. Commercialization: How has the commercial aspect of Christmas impacted the
traditional way of celebrating it? Do you think commercialization has
overshadowed the true meaning of Christmas?
5. Literature and Media: What is your favorite Christmas movie, book, or song, and
why? How do these media forms influence our perception of Christmas?
6. Food Traditions: Every culture has special foods they prepare for Christmas.
What are some traditional Christmas dishes in your country or region?
7. Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast Christmas celebrations in
warm climates versus cold climates. How does weather affect the way Christmas
is celebrated?
8. Historical Perspectives: Discuss the origins of some popular Christmas symbols,
such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, or Christmas stockings. How have these
symbols evolved over time?
9. Gift-Giving Traditions: In what ways does your family or culture approach the
tradition of giving gifts? Do you think gift-giving is an essential part of Christmas?
10. Reflective Question: What does Christmas mean to you personally? Do you view
it as a religious holiday, a cultural event, a time for family, or something else?
11. Language Learning: How do you say "Merry Christmas" in different languages?
Can you share any Christmas-related words or phrases in your language?
12. Environmental Impact: How can we celebrate Christmas in a more
environmentally sustainable way?
13. Social Aspect: How does Christmas foster a sense of community and
togetherness in your area?
14. Educational Aspect: What can we learn about different cultures from the way
they celebrate Christmas?
 First, Second, and Third Conditionals

1. First Conditional (Real Conditional): This form is used to talk about real or possible
situations in the future. It is structured as "If + present simple, will + base verb." It
suggests that the outcome is quite likely if the condition is met. Example: "If it snows
tomorrow, we will build a snowman."
2. Second Conditional (Unreal Conditional): This is used for unreal or improbable
situations in the present or future. The structure is "If + past simple, would + base
verb." It talks about hypothetical situations and their possible outcomes. Example: "If
I met Santa Claus, I would ask him for a bicycle."
3. Third Conditional (Past Conditional): This form talks about a condition in the past
that did not happen and its possible result in the past. It's structured as "If + past
perfect, would have + past participle." It's purely hypothetical as it refers to situations
that are impossible to change. Example: "If I had woken up earlier, I would have seen
the Christmas parade."

Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete these
Christmas-themed conditional sentences.

1. First Conditional: If it __________ (to be) snowy this Christmas, we __________ (to go)
sledding down the hill.
2. First Conditional: If they __________ (to decorate) the tree tonight, they __________ (to
invite) all their friends.
3. Second Conditional: If I __________ (to live) at the North Pole, I __________ (to work) with
Santa's elves.
4. Second Conditional: If you __________ (to have) a reindeer, what name __________ (you,
to give) it?
5. Third Conditional: If she __________ (to send) the Christmas cards earlier, they
__________ (to arrive) on time.
6. Third Conditional: If we __________ (to know) about the snowstorm, we __________ (to
cancel) our holiday party.
In this exercise, students will need to choose the correct conditional form (first,
second, or third) and complete the sentences with the appropriate verb forms.
Some sentences might require a modal verb.

1. If you __________ (to find) a magic snow globe, what __________ (you, to wish) for?
2. If people __________ (to stop) believing in Santa Claus, the magic of Christmas
__________ (to diminish).
3. Santa __________ (to deliver) all the presents in one night if he __________ (not to have)
his magical sleigh.
4. If I __________ (to be) in charge of Santa's workshop, I __________ (to introduce) some
modern technology.
5. We __________ (to put up) the Christmas lights last weekend if we __________ (not, to
be) so busy.
6. If Jack Frost __________ (not to visit) our town last Christmas, we __________ (to have) a
much warmer holiday season.

would have had a much warmer holiday season.

6. Third Conditional: If Jack Frost had not visited our town last Christmas, we
if we had not been so busy.
5. Third Conditional: We would have put up the Christmas lights last weekend
introduce some modern technology.
4. Second Conditional: If I were in charge of Santa's workshop, I would
night if he had not had his magical sleigh.
3. Third Conditional: Santa would not have delivered all the presents in one
Christmas would diminish.
2. Second Conditional: If people stopped believing in Santa Claus, the magic of
for?
1. Second Conditional: If you found a magic snow globe, what would you wish
Answers: