During December, sometimes even earlier, the Christmas lights come on in the streets, and the big shops put on special "Christmas windows"', to bring in the shoppers. As Christmas gets closer, the shops become more and more crowded. Nowadays many shops start their "New Year Sales" before Christmas; some people therefore wait till the last days, in order to pay less for their presents.
When the shops finally close for the holiday, most people are happy that the shopping is over. For a day at least, everything is shut except pubs and restaurants, which do a lot of business on Christmas day (though not in 2020, on account of Covid 19).
In the past, most people used to go to church on Christmas morning; today some people go to church for a special Christmas service, but most stay at home to open presents and prepare the Christmas lunch. In the afternoon, it's time for more presents, or to watch a good film, or go out for a walk in the country, or in the park.
Then, after Christmas, the shopping season starts again, as people spend their Christmas money and look for bargains in the New Year sales. Most people have a week's holiday between Christmas and the New Year.
Some, of course, have to keep working; but for most, the last week of the year is a time to relax, enjoy more parties, and do a bit more shopping.
January sometimes seems very flat and empty!
(Extracted from: https://linguapress.com/intermediate/christmas22.htm)
True or False?
- The Christmas lights come on in the streets during Christmas time. _________________
- In 2020, on account of Covid 19, all people stay at home to open presents and prepare the Christmas lunch.
_________________
- The shopping season starts for the New Year sales after Christmas. _________________
- A week's holiday between Christmas and the New Year is a time to relax. _________________
Questions
- Which of the following is the definition of "bargains"?
A. new arrivals B. new collections
C. special fashion seasons D. special offers
- Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text?
A. As Christmas gets closer, the shops become much busier.
B. Christmas shopping ends before Christmas Day.
C. People keep spending their Christmas money on New Year Sales.
D. Shopping seems over in January.
