Christmas is my favorite classroom
I love Christmas. The lights, the music, the food, the excuse to talk to everyone. The holidays give you a familiar topic for practice: greetings, food, and plans to see family.
In Texas the season comes with its own flavor: big light displays, tamales on the table for many families, and a lot of driving in between.
Holiday greetings that sound natural
You may hear these greetings and questions in December. Choose one that fits the person and the occasion.
- Merry Christmas! Y’all have a good one.“Y’all” means “you all.” In Texas it is friendly, not sloppy.
- Happy holidays!A warm greeting for everyone, whatever they celebrate.
- Are you doing anything fun for the holidays?The easiest small-talk question of the season.
- We’re heading to see family in Houston.“Heading to” means “going to.” Both work when you talk about a trip.
Road trip English
On a Texas road trip, you may need to stop for gas or ask for directions. Try these questions before you travel.
- Which pump is open?At a gas station when you pay inside.
- How far is it to San Antonio from here?Texans often answer in hours, not miles: “Oh, about three hours.”
- Is there a good place to eat around here?Ask someone to suggest a place nearby.
A tiny Texas glossary
A few words you might hear that are not in your textbook.
- Fixin’ to: about to. “I’m fixin’ to leave.”
- Coke: sometimes means any soda. “What kind of Coke do you want?”
- Kolache: a pastry you may see at Texas donut shops and gas stations. The name is also often used locally for sausage-filled pastries.
- Bless your heart: it can be kind, or a polite way to say “oh dear.” Listen to the tone!
Practice this week
- Practice “Are you doing anything fun for the holidays?” and one answer about your own plans.
- Describe a favorite holiday food in three sentences: what it is, who makes it, when you eat it.
- Use “heading to” today when you talk about where you are going.