来自中国的雇员Dana跟同事Charlie聊天儿，说自己要去美国朋友家过圣诞节，请Charlie给她讲讲美国人过圣诞的习俗。
D: Would you say Christmas is the most popular American holiday?
C: Definitely. It's a really big deal. Most people don't work on that day, and if you ask someone to work you have to pay them a lot of overtime.
D: Should I bring presents for all of his family members?
C: That's probably not necessary because you're a guest. You could bring a small souvenir or something from China for them. But one tradition is to bring a nice bottle of wine.
圣诞节是美国的重要节日。Charlie说，It's a really big deal. 意思是说圣诞节确实非常重要。大家都放假，让人加班，得付很多加班费。 You have to pay them a lot of overtime. Overtime是加班费的意思。去朋友家过圣诞节，要给每个人买礼物吗？ Charlie认为不用，只要带个中国纪念品就行了。但是美国人去朋友家作客，有带葡萄酒的传统。
D: Is there a lot of drinking during Christmas?
C: It depends on the family, but I'd say most people probably do enjoy alcoholic drinks. Have you ever tried eggnog?
D: No, what's that?
C: It's an alcoholic drink that sort of tastes like egg custard. It's sweet and warm and perfect for the cold winter season.
D: Sounds delightful. What's the traditional menu?
Charlie说，美国人过圣诞节，most people do enjoy alcoholic drinks, 大多数人都喜欢喝一杯，其中一种很普遍的酒精饮料叫eggnog, eggnog is spelled e-g-g-n-o-g, eggnog, 这种饮料味道甜甜的，温温的，适合天气冷的时候喝。圣诞节有什么传统菜肴吗？
C: Probably roast chicken. During Thanksgiving most people eat turkey. Actually, we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. When New Year comes around, everybody makes a resolution to lose weight!
D: Are there fireworks or any kind of public events?
C: Not really. Usually in the town center there's a huge Christmas tree. All the streets are lined with Christmas lights...it's really quite pretty.
Charlie说，圣诞节很多家庭会吃烤鸡。他还说，美国人过节总会吃很多东西，we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. 所以新年一到，大家都会立志减肥。
Charlie还说，美国人过圣诞节，一般不放烟火，但是市中心往往会有一棵特别高大的圣诞树，街道两边也都是圣诞节的彩灯，充满节日气氛。美国是不是所有人都庆祝圣诞节呢？我们下星期继续听。 |