cover of episode #304 Five Christmas Traditions from Around the World

#304 Five Christmas Traditions from Around the World

2024/12/25
logo of podcast The Level Up English Podcast

The Level Up English Podcast
People
A
Abdullah
M
Michael Lavers
Topics
Michael Lavers: 本期播客的主题是世界各地的圣诞节传统。节目开始，主持人Michael Lavers首先介绍了一个英语学习App，Take 5，方便大家练习英语口语。随后，他谈到了自己对在英国和泰国过圣诞节的不同体验。在英国，圣诞节更注重家庭团聚，氛围较为传统和低调；而在泰国，圣诞节则更商业化，到处都是圣诞装饰，但这种氛围对他来说并不完全贴切。 接着，Michael Lavers介绍了五个不同国家独特的圣诞传统： 1. 日本：吃肯德基作为圣诞大餐。这体现了亚洲一些国家在圣诞节的消费主义文化。 2. 菲律宾：巨型灯笼节，以制作精美的巨型灯笼庆祝圣诞节。 3. 冰岛：圣诞书潮，在平安夜赠送和接收书籍，并一起阅读。 4. 德国：圣诞市场，提供手工制品、热葡萄酒和美食等。 5. 瑞典：盖勒山羊，一个用稻草制作的巨型山羊，并有烧毁山羊的传统。 对于每个国家的传统，Michael Lavers都讲解了一个相关的英语表达，例如：make the most of, go the extra mile, take a leaf out of someone's book, bring something to the table, in the spirit of。 最后，Michael Lavers分享了一位听众Abdullah的留言，Abdullah对播客给予了高度评价，并鼓励大家加入会员。节目以Charles M. Scholes的名言结尾，强调圣诞节的意义在于与家人朋友相聚。 Abdullah: Abdullah是一位来自巴勒斯坦加沙城的听众，他在留言中高度赞扬了Michael Lavers的播客。他表示，Michael Lavers的播客提供了许多有益的表达、短语动词和习语，并对这些表达进行了很好的解释，这使得他的播客与众不同。他还称赞了Michael Lavers的教学天赋、声音和口音。最后，他鼓励大家加入Michael Lavers的网站会员，并表示自己对此感到非常满意。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why does Christmas in Thailand feel different compared to the UK?

Christmas in Thailand feels different because it is highly commercialized, with extravagant decorations in shopping malls, including multiple large Christmas trees and winter-themed displays. However, the lack of cold weather, short days, and traditional winter elements like snow and frost make it feel less authentic compared to the UK, where Christmas is associated with cold weather, warm clothing, and modest decorations.

What is the unique Christmas tradition in Japan?

In Japan, a unique Christmas tradition is eating KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) for Christmas dinner. This custom originated from a successful advertising campaign in the 1970s and has since become a popular tradition. Families often order KFC in advance due to high demand, making it a festive and convenient meal during the holiday season.

What is the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines?

The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines is a Christmas celebration where elaborate and increasingly detailed lanterns are created and displayed. This festival, particularly prominent in San Fernando, known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines, takes place between December 14th and January 1st. It includes fireworks and is a way to bring light and joy during the holiday season.

What is the Christmas tradition in Iceland called Jólabókaflóð?

Jólabókaflóð, or the Christmas Book Flood, is an Icelandic tradition where books are exchanged as gifts on Christmas Eve. Families spend the evening reading these books, often accompanied by hot chocolate, in the cozy atmosphere of their homes. This tradition emphasizes the joy of reading and togetherness during the holiday season.

What is the significance of the Gävle Goat in Sweden?

The Gävle Goat is a giant straw goat erected in Gävle, Sweden, as a Christmas decoration. While its original purpose was to embody the spirit of Christmas and bring the community together, it has also become a tradition for people to attempt to burn it down. Despite these challenges, the goat remains a symbol of holiday festivities and community spirit.

Chapters
This episode is a Christmas special focusing on diverse Christmas traditions worldwide, interspersed with English expressions. It begins with a comparison of Christmas in Thailand and the UK, followed by an overview of the episode's structure and content.
  • Comparison of Christmas celebrations in Thailand and the UK.
  • Focus on five different Christmas traditions from around the world.
  • Introduction of five English expressions to be used throughout the episode.

Shownotes Transcript

In this episode, we'll be going around the world to 5 different countries and looking at their different Christmas traditions. While doing this, I'll be sharing one expression with each one that you can use in daily conversations at any time of the year.I also talk a little bit about the differences in my experience between Christmas in Thailand and the UK.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Show notes page - https://levelupenglish.school/podcast304)

Take Five)Practice your English with friends Worldwide! TakeFive makes English Speaking easy and fun 

Sign Up for Free Lessons - https://www.levelupenglish.school/#freelessons)**Join Level Up English** - https://courses.levelupenglish.school)By becoming a member, you can access all podcast transcripts, listen to the private podcast and join live lessons and courses on the website.