Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to the Tasks and do the activities. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Preparation
Before you watch
Think about the following questions:
- What food do British people eat at Christmas?
- Who usually cooks in your household?
- How do you react when you get a present you don't care for very much?
Now watch to find as Stephen and Ashlie celebrate Christmas with their family...
Transcript
Stephen: Morning, Ashlie. Merry Christmas!
Ashlie: Happy Christmas! Nice hat, it suits you.
Stephen: Thank you. Here you go, here’s your Christmas present.
Ashlie: Oh thanks, Stephen. It’s lovely. Just what I have always wanted. Here, I’ve got something for you, too. There you go.
Stephen: Socks! I love them. Thank you, Ash.
Ashlie: I’m so excited. It’s Christmas morning, but we have got so much to do today.
Stephen: We’re spending Christmas here this year to give Mum a rest. And the family are coming over for Christmas lunch and I’m sure my sister’s got it all planned out.
Ashlie: Yep, I’ve got a list. At 9 o’clock, put turkey on to cook. 9.30, steam pudding. 10 o’clock, peel potatoes. 10.30...
Stephen: That sounds like a lot of work for you. I think I’ll have a bit of a sit-down before everyone arrives.
Ashlie: But we’re doing this together, remember. You promised.
Stephen: I thought Christmas Day was supposed to be a holiday!
Ashlie: Well, you’ve got to do something to help out in the kitchen. I tell you what; you can do the sprouts for the main course. If that’s not too difficult for you?
Stephen: Of course it’s not too difficult.
Ashlie: OK, well, let’s get cooking then. Come on. We’ve got lots to do.
Stephen: I’ll help in a minute. I’ll just go see if there’s any of those mince pies left.
…..
Stephen: Merry Christmas, Dad.
Dad: Hello, son.
Stephen: Merry Christmas, Mum.
Mum: Happy Christmas, Stephen, my wonderful boy! Oh... What a lovely tree. Did you decorate it, Stephen?
Stephen: Yes, Mum.
Mum: It’s lovely, you are so clever. Hello, sweetie.
Ashlie: Happy Christmas, Mum.
Mum: Happy Christmas, Ashlie. You look lovely.
Ashlie: Oh, thank you.
Mum: Lunch smells wonderful, dear.
Ashlie: Christmas lunch is hard work, isn’t it? I hope it’s as good as yours.
Mum: Oh, I’m sure it will be fine. I expect you’ve both been working so hard in the kitchen. I hope it’s not been too much for you?
Stephen: Well...
Ashlie: No, Stephen has been so much help. Come on, let’s get back to work.
Stephen: Have a seat, Dad.
…..
Ashlie: Well, the turkey’s cooking and the potatoes are boiling. But you still have to do the sprouts. Can you sort them out?
Stephen: Yeah, sure. I love Brussels sprouts. They’re just like baby cabbages. What do you want me to do?
Ashlie: Well, you peel them and then boil them, of course.
Stephen: OK. Easy…
Ashlie: I just need to do the stuffing and check on the turkey.
Stephen: Go ahead! All under control here.
Ashlie: What do you think, is it done?
Stephen: Looks good to me, Ash. Maybe we should add some Christmas sparkle – a finishing touch!
Ashlie: Not more tinsel…
Stephen: Hey Ash, these sprouts are taking ages to peel. What do you think?
Ashlie: Err, well, I don’t think you need to do anything else to them Stephen… or else there’ll be nothing left. Let’s put them on to cook and then we’re ready.
…..
Ashlie: Who’s for turkey, then?
Dad: It looks lovely, dear. Yes, please.
Mum: Ashlie, Stephen, did you remember the sprouts? What about the stuffing?
Dad: It’s not a proper Christmas dinner without stuffing!
Ashlie: Yes, Dad, don’t worry. Here’s the stuffing.
Stephen: ...and my sprouts are here, I did them!
Mum: Oh, I… I thought they were peas. But it all looks wonderful! You’re both so clever.
Ashlie: Come on then, let’s eat up!
…..
Mum: Oooh – time for some presents. Here you go, both of you. I know you’re going to love your Christmas presents.
Stephen: Thanks, Mum.
…..
Stephen: Thanks, Mum!
Mum: I made it myself. Put it on, it’s just the thing for a cold winter’s day.
Stephen: It’s really… er, cosy. I’ve never worn anything quite like it.
Mum: Ooh... you look lovely, I knew you would. It really suits you.
Stephen: What did you get, Ash?
Ashlie: Happy Christmas, everyone!
Hey, Team! Could you tell - what's wrong with the Brussels sprouts and stuffing? Non-British users won't understand what the joke is. After all, it was there, right?
Hi Olena,
Sprouts are my favourite vegetable! You need to cut off any hard stem left and peel off the outer layer of leaves, which might be dirty or in bad condition. I think Stephen's peeling was a little too enthusiastic, though - there's almost nothing left of the sprouts!
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Thank you very much! To be honest, I thought that the stuffing should be inside something, so I didn’t understand the situation at the table :)
Hi Yshc,
No, there's no difference in meaning here. In general, 'here' is more common and implies more immediacy, whereas 'there' implies some distance, but in many cases (such as this one) they mean the same thing.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team