December, 26th

What do you think was your best decision last year?

Name 3 things you did that you regret about .

Will you make any New Year's resolutions? What are they?

When do the sales begin in your country?

What two things would you like to see or do this year?

Can you think of two things you were happy about from last year?

If you could make three wishes for the next year which would definitely come true, what

would you wish for?

Different countries and cultures celebrate the new year in different ways. Many countries still follow the lunar calendar, meaning that their new year often starts in late January or in February. New Year celebrations for some countries (like China, Vietnam, and Korea) last not one day, but up to two weeks!

In the US, many people attend or throw New Year parties. They drink champagne, dance, and cheer at the stroke of midnight. Men kiss women who happen to stand under mistletoe. Fireworks, which in olden times scared away evil spirits, are very popular throughout the US, as they are throughout much of the world. US residents often make one or more New Year's resolutions, such as promising to quit smoking, lose weight, or stop drinking. Most of these resolutions last little longer than a month.

In the southern US, many people eat black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year. In Mexico and Venezuela, many people wear red or yellow underwear for good luck. In Brazil, residents wear white clothes for good luck, and in China, they wear red clothes and give children red envelopes with money in them. In Iran, people wear brand new clothes on the first day of the new year.

In Scotland, homeowners open the front door at midnight to let in the new year, and open the back door to let out the old year. In Switzerland, people kiss each other three times at midnight. In Spain, people eat 12 grapes—one per chime—as the clock chimes midnight. In Japan, they ring a bell 108 times to get rid of the 108 bad desires that people have. In Korea they ring a bell 33 times in honor of 33 ancient soldiers.

In Colombia, families make a rag doll called "Mr. Old Year." They dress it in old clothes and stuff it with things that the family doesn't want anymore. Then at midnight, they set the doll on fire, to rid themselves of all the bad things of the previous year.

My New Year

in numbers!

New Year in numbers

New Year’s Day is the day when people _____ the beginning of a new year. On New Year’s Eve, family and friends often get together for dinner or have a party to ______ in the new year. People often count down the hours, minutes, and seconds before the new year arrives, and they sometimes set off _____ or play loud music. New Year’s Day is a time of new beginnings, so people often make new year’s _______—promises or goals they hope to accomplish during the coming year. Such resolutions often include losing weight, getting in shape, or eating a ______ diet. Other resolutions might deal with improving one’s ______ with a family member or friend. Sometimes, these resolutions are short lived, that is, people don’t follow through on their plans. However, the new year gives people opportunities to change and improve their lives.

December, 27th