Woman: Boxing Day.
Man: Is the 26th of December, and a public holiday. The boxes after which this day are named are charity or “almsboxes” which were opened on the day after Christmas and the money inside was given to the poor. Nowadays Christmas boxes are given to tradesmen who come to your home such as milkmen and dustmen.
Listen to this example:
Woman: How many guests do we have for Boxing Day lunch? I’m exhausted with all this cooking.
Man: Not many, only 12 for lunch today, I’ll give you a hand in a moment, I’m just sorting out the Christmas tip envelopes, for the paper boy and the milk man.
Woman: 12....!? OK, you can prepare the vegetables then – it’s your family after all.
Man: Don’t worry we have plenty of time, I love all these celebrations.

Woman: Advent Calendar
Man: Advent is the 4 weeks before Christmas. An advent calendar, is a piece of cardboard, with 24 (or 25) windows to open, when these cardboard windows are opened, there is a Christmas picture and often a sweet inside them. Children use them to count the days until Christmas day.
Listen to this example:
Woman: What on earth is that?
Man: It’s an advent calendar, the kids will love it, I saw them for the first time at the supermarket, and thought it’s about time they learnt British traditions as well as Italian.
Woman: It’s the last time I send you to do the shopping, you forget the list, and stroll around buying whatever takes your fancy.
Man: You wait ‘til you see their faces, they’re going to love it, there’s a chocolate in each window, so they can count down the days to Christmas.

Woman: Mistletoe
Man: Has a special place in British Christmas celebrations. You hang up a branch in the house. Although many people just demand a celebratory kiss under the mistletoe, you are meant to pick one berry for each kiss.
Listen to this example:
Woman: Oh no, who hung up the mistletoe right by the drinks table?
Man: I don’t know, but you’re standing under it, so you have to give me a kiss.
Woman: Ok then.

Woman: Christmas Crackers.
Man: These are a cardboard tube covered in coloured paper, and containing a small present, a joke and a paper hat. Crackers are pulled apart by 2 people – (each holding 1 end) at Christmas parties. They make a loud noise as they break open.
Listen to this example:

Woman: Wow, these are good crackers, look at the beautiful ring inside. What have you got?
Man: A torch? It’s just what I need for my key ring. Are you going to put the party hat on then?
Woman: No way, I’ll look ridiculous.
Man: You’re such a party pooper sometimes.