IT'S A HOLIDAY HERE IN THE U.S.

 The United States has many holidays throughout the year, some celebrating historical events, others honoring important figures, and many simply offering a chance to relax and spend time with family. In this lesson, we will explore how to talk about holidays in the U.S., ask and answer questions about holiday traditions, and share plans for celebrating. You will also learn some common expressions used to talk about holidays and how to use different tenses to describe past, present, and future holiday activities.

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Grammar Focus:

Present Simple:

• To describe regular holiday traditions.
  • Example: We usually have a big family dinner on Thanksgiving.

Past Simple:

• To describe how you celebrated a holiday in the past.
  • Example: Last year, I went to see fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Future with ‘Going to’ and ‘Will’:

• To talk about upcoming holidays or future plans.
  • Example: I’m going to visit my family for Christmas.
  • Example: We will watch the parade on New Year's Day.

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Vocabulary:

1. Common U.S. Holidays:

   • New Year's Day
   • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
   • President’s Day
   • Memorial Day
   • Independence Day (Fourth of July)
   • Labor Day
   • Thanksgiving
   • Christmas
   • Halloween
   • Veterans Day
   • Easter

2. Holiday-Related Words:

   • Parade
   • Fireworks
   • Feast
   • Family gathering
   • Decorations
   • Holiday weekend
   • Public holiday
   • Tradition
   • Celebration

3. Holiday Activities:

   • Watching fireworks
   • Attending parades
   • Hosting a barbecue
   • Decorating the house
   • Giving gifts
   • Traveling
   • Sharing a meal

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Useful Expressions:

• Talking about holidays:

  • It’s a public holiday today.
  • We have a day off because it’s Memorial Day.
  • This is my favorite holiday of the year!

• Asking about holiday traditions:

  • How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving?
  • What are you planning to do for Christmas?
  • Do you have any special traditions for the Fourth of July?

• Talking about holiday plans:

  • I’m going to spend the holiday weekend with my family.
  • We usually have a barbecue on Labor Day.
  • For this holiday, I’m planning to travel.

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Sentences:

1. Present Simple for regular holiday traditions:

   • We always have a family dinner on Christmas Eve.
   • On Independence Day, we watch the fireworks display.

2. Past Simple for describing past holiday events:

   • Last Thanksgiving, we hosted a big dinner with turkey and pumpkin pie.
   • I went to a parade on Memorial Day last year.

3. Future with ‘Going to’ for plans:

   • We’re going to decorate the house for Halloween this year.
   • I’m going to visit my parents for the New Year’s holiday.

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Questions and Answers:

1. Q: What holiday is it today?
   A: It’s Independence Day, the Fourth of July.

2. Q: Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend?
   A: Yes, I’m going to the beach with my friends for Labor Day.

3. Q: How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
   A: We have a big family dinner with turkey, stuffing, and pies.

4. Q: What did you do last Christmas?
   A: Last Christmas, I stayed home and opened gifts with my family.

5. Q: Are you going anywhere for Easter?
   A: Yes, we’re going to my grandparents’ house to celebrate.

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Conversation:

Situation: Discussing a U.S. holiday with a friend

A: Hey, do you know it’s a holiday here in the U.S. today?
B: Oh really? Which holiday is it?
A: It’s Memorial Day. It’s always celebrated on the last Monday of May.
B: That’s interesting! What do people usually do on Memorial Day?
A: Many people attend parades or visit cemeteries to honor soldiers, but it’s also common to have barbecues and picnics since it’s a long weekend.
B: Do you have any special plans?
A: Yeah, I’m going to a family barbecue later this afternoon. What about you?
B: I don’t have any plans yet, but I might go to the park.
A: That sounds nice! You should check out the parade if you have time.

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Reading:

Celebrating Holidays in the U.S.

The United States has a variety of holidays that are celebrated throughout the year, some with deep historical roots and others that are more focused on family and fun. Each holiday has its own traditions and customs, many of which are tied to American culture.

One of the biggest holidays in the U.S. is Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a time when families come together to share a big meal, often featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Many people travel long distances to be with their families for this special day. Another important holiday is Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, which marks the country’s declaration of independence in 1776. People celebrate by watching fireworks, having barbecues, and enjoying parades.

In addition to these, Americans also celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, where traditions include giving gifts, decorating homes, and attending church services. There are also holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day that honor the contributions of workers and the sacrifices of soldiers, respectively.

No matter the holiday, it’s a time for relaxation, reflection, and spending time with loved ones. For many Americans, holidays are an important part of the year, offering a break from the routine and a chance to celebrate what matters most to them.