Family Traditions
1. Story
In Anna’s family, there are several important traditions that they follow every year. One of the most cherished traditions is having a family dinner on New Year’s Eve. Every year, the whole family gathers at her grandparents’ house to celebrate together. They prepare a big meal, and everyone brings something special to share. Anna’s grandmother always makes her famous apple pie, and her father prepares his signature salad. The family enjoys eating together, talking, and laughing. After dinner, they sit around the fireplace, tell stories, and watch the New Year’s fireworks on TV.
Another tradition is celebrating each family member’s birthday in a special way. On her birthday, Anna always receives a handmade card from her mother. Her father often writes a poem for her, and they all have a small celebration with cake and gifts. Anna looks forward to this every year, as it is a tradition that makes her feel loved and appreciated.
Anna’s family also has a tradition of volunteering together during the holidays. Every Christmas, they visit a local charity to help prepare food packages for people in need. Anna and her brother enjoy this activity because it helps them feel connected to the community and teaches them the value of giving.
Family traditions like these are very important to Anna. They bring her family closer and create wonderful memories. She believes that traditions are an essential part of family life because they help to strengthen bonds, show love, and keep the family united.
2. Useful Phrases and Expressions
family tradition — семейная традиция
to gather together — собираться вместе
to prepare a big meal — готовить большой ужин
to bring something special — принести что-то особенное
a homemade gift — подарок, сделанный своими руками
to celebrate someone’s birthday — праздновать чей-то день рождения
a handmade card — открытка, сделанная своими руками
to write a poem — писать стихотворение
to have a small celebration — устраивать небольшое празднование
to volunteer — волонтёрить
to help prepare food packages — помогать готовить пакеты с едой
to feel connected to the community — чувствовать связь с сообществом
to teach the value of giving — учить ценности даяния
to make someone feel loved and appreciated — заставить кого-то чувствовать себя любимым и ценимым
to strengthen bonds — укреплять связи
to create wonderful memories — создавать чудесные воспоминания
to keep the family united — сохранять единство семьи
3. Exercises
Exercise 1: Matching
Match the English phrases with their Russian translations.
family tradition
to gather together
to prepare a big meal
a handmade card
to volunteer
to have a small celebration
to feel connected to the community
to create wonderful memories
a) быть волонтером
b) праздновать чей-то день рождения
c) семейная традиция
d) чувствовать связь с сообществом
e) собираться вместе
f) готовить большой ужин
g) открытка, сделанная своими руками
h) создавать чудесные воспоминания
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the words and phrases from the box.
Box:
family tradition, to gather together, handmade card, to volunteer, to prepare, to celebrate, wonderful memories, to strengthen bonds
Every year, we follow our __________ of having a big family dinner.
On my birthday, my mother always gives me a __________.
We all __________ at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve.
Last year, we decided __________ together at a local charity during the holidays.
Preparing food for the homeless during the holidays helps us __________ with others.
Family traditions are important because they help __________ in the family.
Our family creates __________ when we celebrate holidays together.
This year, we plan __________ our wedding anniversary with a special dinner.
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
Answer the questions using full sentences.
What are some family traditions in your country?
How do you celebrate birthdays in your family?
Why do you think family traditions are important?
Have you ever volunteered as a family? What did you do?
What is your favorite family tradition, and why do you like it?
4. Answers
Exercise 1: Matching
1 — c
2 — e
3 — f
4 — g
5 — a
6 — b
7 — d
8 — h
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
family tradition
handmade card
gather together
to volunteer
to feel connected to the community
to strengthen bonds
wonderful memories
to celebrate
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
What are some family traditions in your country?
In my country, some common family traditions are celebrating New Year’s Eve together, having big family dinners on holidays, and visiting relatives during special occasions. We also enjoy decorating our homes for Christmas and Easter.
How do you celebrate birthdays in your family?
In my family, we always celebrate birthdays with a small party, cake, and gifts. We usually spend time together, play games, and sing songs. I also receive a handmade card from my family, and they often write me a poem or letter.
Why do you think family traditions are important?
Family traditions are important because they help families stay connected and create a sense of belonging. They also provide opportunities to make happy memories and pass down family customs to future generations.
Have you ever volunteered as a family? What did you do?
Yes, my family volunteered last Christmas. We helped prepare food packages for people in need at a local charity. It was a rewarding experience, and it made me feel good to help others during the holidays.
What is your favorite family tradition, and why do you like it?
My favorite family tradition is having a big family dinner on New Year’s Eve. It’s a time when we all come together, share a meal, and talk about our year. I like it because it’s a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one.
