Tag Archives: holidays

Everybody’s Irish Today

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Rae

In the United States, the percentage of people who identify themselves as Irish-American is around 12%, a fairly large minority. That percentage swells to nearly 100% on March 17th every year! March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, the day that … Continue reading →

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If in Doubt, Love

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Rae

This print by Hugh Macleod is titled “Easy”. I love what Hugh has to say about this design on his website: It’s a nice feeling,- to just love without trying, to just ‘know’. What this cartoon doesn’t say is “Life … Continue reading →

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Groundhog Day

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Rae

Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Phil is a famous groundhog (a squirrel-like rodent) who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. February 2nd is Phil’s big day, because it’s Groundhog Day! Groundhog Day is an odd American ritual based on an old … Continue reading →

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Partridge in a… ?

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Rae

Quick! “Partridge in a… ? ” How would you complete that phrase? If you said ” …pear tree,” you’re right! The phrase is from the Christmas song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It’s so familiar to English speakers that when … Continue reading →

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Is Elmo Confused?

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Rae

Do you know Elmo? He’s a furry red monster puppet with a sweet, childlike personality who appears in the children’s television show Sesame Street. Elmo is a very popular character with small children, and there are dozens of different Elmo-themed … Continue reading →

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How Ironic

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Rae

Suddenly, everyone’s ironic! Of course, irony is as old as the human race, but it’s never been as popular as it is today. In my day, people said what they meant and meant what they said. Not anymore! Irony has … Continue reading →

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My Christmas Song Search

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Rae

I love Christmas music! Unfortunately, Christmas carols don’t make very good English lessons.  When I realized this, I became determined to find the simplest English Christmas song and share it with you. I had to reject my favorite Christmas carol, … Continue reading →

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Christmas Spoilsports

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Rae

A spoilsport is an annoying person who takes all the fun out of an event. They spoil (destroy) the sport (enjoyment) of others. I used to know a woman who was frustrated because her husband hated Christmas. She wanted their … Continue reading →

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Talking Turkey

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Rae

Thanksgiving Day is the simplest of holidays. You gather the people you love, enjoy a feast together, and give thanks for the blessings in your life. Perhaps because it is so simple, it is the least commercialized of American holidays. There’s … Continue reading →

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Why Hallowe’en?

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Rae
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Hallowe’en is a strange American holiday. Many people celebrate it without knowing anything about it’s history. If you ask people “Why do you decorate your homes with skeletons and witches?” “Why do you dress up in frightening costumes?” “Why do … Continue reading →

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