Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Around the world, people celebrate so many different holidays. But if you hear someone talking about the holidays in the US, they are probably talking about end-of-the-year celebrations, such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule, or New Year’s. For many people, giving holiday gifts is a happy tradition. However, gift giving can be maddening, too.
Sometimes, people worry too much about getting the latest action figure or buying gifts before they sell out. They forget to take a breath and enjoy their friends and family. Instead of spending time with their brothers and sisters, they might be worrying that they are only halfway done with their holiday shopping.
Dominique is really worried about her holiday gifts. Listen as Andy tells her to keep it simple in today’s English lesson.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
Dominique: Andy, I’m a little sad about the holidays, aren’t you?
Andy_H: Why are you sad about the holidays? It’s the most wonderful time of the year. You know?
Dominique: Because I’m so behind, and I’m stressed out. I mean, I haven’t even started my holiday shopping, and I usually start back in April.
Andy_H: Oh! I’m so sorry!
Dominique: I don’t know what I’m going to do. I mean, I have a huge family, and I should be at least halfway done by now. I haven’t started.
Andy_H: OK. OK. First, take a deep breath. Second, you’ve got to really, like, temper the holiday shopping. I mean, most people…
Dominique: Who is going to help me… wrap… all… the… gifts, Andy?
Andy_H: OK. OK. I know that it might be maddening and everything, but just KISS.
Dominique: They will sell out of the hottest toys!
Andy_H: KISS!
Dominique: What?!
Andy_H: Keep It Simple, Stupid! It’s an acronym… KISS. OK? I know you’re…
Dominique: It would have been simple if I would have started in April.
Andy_H: Maybe, you could… I don’t know… tell people, “Hey, we’re going to, you know, just enjoy family. And sorry about not getting the latest action figure 3000.”
Dominique: Yeah… you tell that to a four-year-old. You tell that to a four-year-old.
Andy_H: I have… actually never done that, so you’ve got me there.
Dominique: Good luck!
Andy_H: I’m just saying, take a breath!
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Dominique is feeling sad and stressed out because it will soon be the holidays. Usually, she is halfway through her holiday shopping by now. However, this year, she hasn’t even started. She tells Andy how she is feeling, and he thinks she needs to take a breath and relax. This just makes Dominique stress more.
Dominique is worried that the stores will sell out of the best gifts, and she has a big family to shop for. Andy suggests KISS. Dominique doesn’t know what that means, so Andy explains that it represents Keep It Simple, Stupid. Dominique thinks it’s too late for KISS to help. So, Andy suggests that she just focus on her family and not worry about the gifts.
Do you stress out about holiday gifts? What is your favorite type of gift to give?