Match the two parts of the sentences.
Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
Choose a verb from the box to complete the postcard. (Change the verb form
where necessary.)
This worksheet is about practicing writing words and expressions about holidays in English. Students read and complete the exercises. The worksheet has an answer key.
* Download This English Worksheet: “Writing words and expressions about holidays in English worksheet”.
Writing Words and Expressions About Holidays in English
Let’s explore a variety of words and phrases associated with holidays, complete with explanations and examples:
1. Holiday Vocabulary Basics
Before we delve into specific expressions, let’s review some essential holiday vocabulary. Familiarize yourself with these terms:
| Holiday Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | The evening before Christmas Day. |
| Christmas Day | The day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25th. |
| New Year’s Eve | The last day of the year, December 31st, often marked by festivities and countdowns. |
| New Year’s Day | The first day of the new year, January 1st. |
| Thanksgiving | A holiday observed in the United States and Canada, typically celebrated with a festive meal. |
| Easter | A Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, usually in spring. |
| Halloween | A holiday associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky themes, observed on October 31st. |
2. Common Expressions for Holidays
Now, let’s explore some idiomatic expressions and phrases related to holidays:
| Expression | Meaning and Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| The more, the merrier | The idea that social gatherings are more enjoyable with more people. Example: “Feel free to bring your friends to the party, the more the merrier!” |
| Eat, drink, and be merry | To indulge in the pleasures of the moment. Example: “It’s the holidays, so let’s eat, drink, and be merry!” |
| Ghost of Christmas past | A reference to something or someone from one’s past, especially during the holiday season. Example: “Every Christmas, my uncle becomes the ghost of Christmas past, reminiscing about his childhood holidays.” |
| Christmas came early | Receiving good news or a gift sooner than expected. Example: “I got the promotion today—looks like Christmas came early for me!” |
| To light up like a Christmas tree | To become very excited or happy. Example: “Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the puppy.” |
| Cold turkey | To abruptly stop a habit. Example: “He decided to quit smoking cold turkey as his New Year’s resolution.” |
| Ring out the old, ring in the new | To celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. Example: “At midnight, we’ll ring out the old, ring in the new with fireworks.” |
| Fall off the wagon | To fail to maintain a higher standard of behavior, typically used in the context of abstaining from drinking alcohol. Example: “He was doing well until the holidays, then he fell off the wagon.” |
| The gift that keeps on giving | Something that continues to be beneficial or bring joy. Example: “Her donation to the children’s charity was truly the gift that keeps on giving.” |
| Out with the old, in with the new | To embrace new things and ideas, and discard old ones. Example: “Let’s declutter our house—out with the old, in with the new!” |
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