Languagelab.com Blog

Today in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other commonwealth countries we celebrate the day after Christmas - which is called Boxing Day.  You might think that this is a day to celebrate boxing, the sport but that isn’t what Boxing Day is about.

Boxing Day dates back to past centuries when it was the custom for rich people to give presents to employees or to people who were less fortunate, most especially to household servants and other people who worked for them.

Now it is a public holiday and also is more associated with the after Christmas sales where shops have big discounts to attract shoppers to come and buy.  I know there are some sales at English City - Donatella is having a great sale down at Periwinkles and there is also a gift giving activity where you can learn how to buy the perfect gift in English.

In this activity you will help to select an appropriate gift for a friend, relative or colleague. You will consider such things as personality of the person who will receive the gift, the price of the gift and the cultural expectations of gift giving and receiving.

I was very happy with my gifts I received yesterday - I will give you a list of adjectives that could be used to describe my gifts….funny, beautiful, clever, strange, interesting. 

Also here is a little quiz on thanking people:

1. Words can’t possibly ……… how grateful I am for what you have done.

2. Thank you so much for helping me. I really ……… it.

3. A thousand thanks for all your hard work. I shall never ……… it.

4. They showed their great gratitude by sending us a large ……… of money.

5. Thank you for all you’ve done from the ……… of my heart.

6. I’m sending this bunch of flowers as a small ……… of my thanks and appreciation.