English with Ally
Welcome to English with AllyI'll take you on a journey of language learning and cultural discovery! Each episode is designed to help you improve your English while exploring the traditions, culture, and everyday life that make English-speaking countries unique. From festive fun to fascinating customs, you’ll learn the language and discover the culture – one story at a time.So sit back and enjoy a backstage pass to English culture and language!
Faith and Festivity: Traditions Across Christian Faiths
Hello everyone, and welcome to English with Ally!
In previous episodes, I've looked at different secular, or non-religious, customs around Christmas, but this episode will focus on religious traditions from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities.
But first, let’s look at some key words you’ll hear in the episode:
Mass: A special church ceremony in the Catholic tradition.Hymns: religious songsManger: A wooden trough for feeding animals, where baby Jesus was placed according to the Nativity story.Supper: An evening meal, often linked to rel...Ghosts, Greed and Redemption: Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"
Hi everyone, welcome back to English with Ally!
Today, we’re exploring one of the most famous Christmas stories ever written: Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. We’ll look at the story, its symbols and moral lessons and why this short book still matters today.
But first let's look at some vocabulary you can listen out for
Grumpy - bad-temperedSymbolism – The use of symbols or images to communicate ideasRegret - a feeling of sadness o...The Man Who Invented Christmas
Hi there listener, welcome back to English with Ally! I'm Ally.
Today, we’re going back in time—to Victorian England—to understand why Charles Dickens has been called “the man who invented Christmas.” Sounds dramatic, right? And while that is an exaggeration, Dickens did shape the way we celebrate Christmas today.
Some vocabulary to listen out for:
Factories - big buildings where many people worked
To be in full swing - to be in progress
Cramped - too small
Poverty - the state of not...
Christmas Food Traditions
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about one of the best parts of the festive season: Christmas food. From savoury dishes to sweet treats, food is at the heart of Christmas celebrations. And if you are a foodie or have a sweet tooth—meaning you love sugary things—this episode is just for you!
Some words to listen out for in this episode are:
Foodie - someone who loves or is knowledgeable about foodSweet tooth – a love for swee...Ugly Christmas Jumpers
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally!
This episode is about possibly the quirkiest festive tradition of them all: Ugly Christmas Jumpers. These colourful, sometimes ridiculous sweaters have become a regular part of holiday celebrations. But where did this trend come from? Let’s find out!
Here's some key vocabulary to listen out for:
Ugly – not prettyJoke - something to make people laughSnowflake – a small piece of snow that falls from the sky, often used as a design on jumpers.Reindeer...Christmas Cards
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally!
Today we’re talking about a lovely festive tradition - and one of my favourites - Christmas cards. Where did they come from? Why do we send them? And how has this tradition changed over time? Let’s find out!
First, some words to listen out for:
Victorian England - England during the time of Queen VictoriaGreeting – a message to say hello or express good wishes.Affordable - cheap enough to buyGoodwill – kindness and friendly f...Christmas Shopping
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! It's me, Ally!
Today's episode is on Christmas shopping but I also want to share a note on why today is important for Roman Catholics. Let's look at some vocabulary first:
Words to listen out for are:
Feast – a special day of celebration, often with food or religious meaning.Holy - sacred, connected to God or religionPickled walnuts - a kind of nut in vinegarWindow display - what is in a shop window for customers to se...Secret Santa
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about a really fun tradition called Secret Santa. You may have seen this played on some TV shows. What is it? Where does it come from? Who plays it? Do you know?
Before I begin, a listener has suggested I introduce new vocabulary at the start of the topic, so here are some words I'll use and their definitions.
Gifts - another word for presentsAnonymous – without a name or identity.To Reveal – to make something known.<...Santa Claus vs Father Christmas
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re exploring two festive figures that many people think are the same: Santa Claus and Father Christmas. Are they really identical? Let’s find out!
Santa Claus, as we know him today, comes from the Dutch figure Sinterklaas, which is based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop famous for his generosity and gift-giving. Dutch people brought this tradition to America in the 17th century, and over time, Santa Claus evolved into the jolly man in red we know toda...
Christmas Movies or films
Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today I'll be talking about Christmas movies – do you want to guess which films I shall talk about?
Naturally at Christmas, some people may watch films about the life of Christ such as
The Nativity Story – a film about Mary and Joseph and the journey to Bethlehem.orThe Greatest Story Ever Told – a classic retelling of the life of Jesus
But there are other classics shown on TV that we watch year after year. More modern Christmas films c...
Christmas Carols
Hi everyone, and welcome back to English with Ally! Today, we’re talking about one of the most joyful parts of the holiday season—Christmas songs. From classic tunes to cheerful carols, music is everywhere in December. But what exactly is carolling, and why is it such a big tradition? Let’s find out!
A carol is a festive song, usually about Christmas. These songs have been around for centuries, originally sung to celebrate the season and share joy. Carols often have simple, memorable melodies so everyone can join in. You may know some songs like “...
Christmas Markets in the UK
Hello again, and welcome back to English with Ally!
Today, we’re talking about something magical—Christmas markets. These festive markets pop up in towns and cities during December, and they’re full of lights, music, and delicious smells. But where did they come from, and what makes them so special in the UK? Well, let’s find out!
Christmas markets started in Germany hundreds of years ago as places to buy seasonal goods and enjoy festive food. Over time, they spread across Europe, and now they’re a big tradition in the UK too. They...
What's an Advent Calendar?
Hi everyone, and welcome to English with Ally! Today, we’re diving into something festive and fun—the Advent calendar. You’ve probably seen these colourful calendars filled with chocolates or little gifts, but do you know where they come from? Let’s explore the history of Advent and how these calendars became a holiday tradition.
What is Advent?
Advent is a special season in the Christian calendar. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks a time of preparation and reflection leading up to December 25th. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin...
English with Ally - Christmas launch
Hello! Welcome to English with Ally – I'm Ally and over the month of December I'll take you on a journey of language learning and cultural discovery! Each episode is designed to help you improve your English while exploring the traditions, quirks, and everyday life that make English-speaking cultures unique. From festive fun to fascinating customs, you’ll learn the language and discover the culture – one story at a time.
So grab a cuppa and join me on a journey through Christmas traditions from tomorrow!
Learn the language, discov...
