English with Ally

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! It's me, Ally! Today's episode is on Christmas shopping but I also want to share a note on why today is important for Roman Catholics. Let's look at some vocabulary first: Words to listen out for are: Feast – a special day of celebration, often with food or religious meaning.Holy - sacred, connected to God or religionPickled walnuts - a kind of nut in vinegarWindow display - what is in a shop window for customers to seeSustainable – something that ...

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about a really fun tradition called Secret Santa. You may have seen this played on some TV shows. What is it? Where does it come from? Who plays it? Do you know? Before I begin, a listener has suggested I introduce new vocabulary at the start of the topic, so here are some words I'll use and their definitions. Gifts - another word for presentsAnonymous – without a name or identity.To Reveal – to make something known.Chari...

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re exploring two festive figures that many people think are the same: Santa Claus and Father Christmas. Are they really identical? Let’s find out! Santa Claus, as we know him today, comes from the Dutch figure Sinterklaas, which is based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop famous for his generosity and gift-giving. Dutch people brought this tradition to America in the 17th century, and over time, Santa Claus evolved into the joll...

Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today I'll be talking about Christmas movies – do you want to guess which films I shall talk about? Naturally at Christmas, some people may watch films about the life of Christ such as The Nativity Story – a film about Mary and Joseph and the journey to Bethlehem. orThe Greatest Story Ever Told – a classic retelling of the life of Jesus But there are other classics shown on TV that we watch year after year. More modern Christmas films can a...

Hi everyone, and welcome back to English with Ally! Today, we’re talking about one of the most joyful parts of the holiday season—Christmas songs. From classic tunes to cheerful carols, music is everywhere in December. But what exactly is carolling, and why is it such a big tradition? Let’s find out! A carol is a festive song, usually about Christmas. These songs have been around for centuries, originally sung to celebrate the season and share joy. Carols often have simple, memorable melodies...

Hello again, and welcome back to English with Ally! Today, we’re talking about something magical—Christmas markets. These festive markets pop up in towns and cities during December, and they’re full of lights, music, and delicious smells. But where did they come from, and what makes them so special in the UK? Well, let’s find out! Christmas markets started in Germany hundreds of years ago as places to buy seasonal goods and enjoy festive food. Over time, they spread across Europe...

Hi everyone, and welcome to English with Ally! Today, we’re diving into something festive and fun—the Advent calendar. You’ve probably seen these colourful calendars filled with chocolates or little gifts, but do you know where they come from? Let’s explore the history of Advent and how these calendars became a holiday tradition. What is Advent? Advent is a special season in the Christian calendar. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks a time of preparation and reflec...

Hello! Welcome to English with Ally – I'm Ally and over the month of December I'll take you on a journey of language learning and cultural discovery! Each episode is designed to help you improve your English while exploring the traditions, quirks, and everyday life that make English-speaking cultures unique. From festive fun to fascinating customs, you’ll learn the language and discover the culture – one story at a time. So grab a cuppa and join me on a journey through Christmas traditions fr...