once. So we also eat leftovers for days A: Rich food isn,'t good for your health. Some Americans refuse a huge dinner and stick to a healthy meal of salad B: The same is true here in China. Some people prefer tofu and vegetables to meat A: Another important part of Christmas is the gifts. We heap up our presents under the Christmas tree or put them in stockings. Children are excited about gifts B: In China we give children money in a red envelope A: To enjoy a merry Christmas, Westerners exchange gifts, send Christmas cards, sing Christmas carols and throw part B: The Chinese set off firecrackers and fireworks to add to the jubilant atmosphere. In some places they also stage dragon and lion dances. And they visit relatives during the A: Both the Spring Festival and Christmas are fascinating MOdEL 2 The Pilgrims spirit of Thanksgiving lives on Script Chris: Will Nora be spending Thanksgiving with us this year? Susan: No, she's going home to spend the holiday with her mother and brother. She hasn,'t seen her family in over a year hris: I know how she feels. Thanksgiving is such a big family holid ay in the States Susan: It began as a celebration by the Pilgrims. They were happy just to have urvived their first harsh winter in the new land in 1621 Chris: But wasn't that harsh winter followed by an abundant harvest? Susan: Yeah, that's good reason to celebrate: they had beaten the odds and were still alive. It was a time to relax and"count your blessings Chris. You know most cultures seem to have some sort of celebration like this--don't the Chinese have a festival of moon cakes to celebrate the harvest month? Susan: Yeah, they do. I believe the round moon cakes also sy mbolize a family reunion Chris: Well, today Thanksgiving in the States has developed into a major holiday Susan: True, it's a very emotional time. Families often travel great distances to be together and share a huge dinner. Jamie's mother will have a turkey and a ham, corn-on-the-cob, yams, peas and carrots, and to top it all off, pumpkin pie Chris: Just thinking about all that food makes my mouth water, and I think I'm going to gain ten pounds this year Susan: But you have the rest of the year to lose those unwanted pounds. And losing weight will give you something to be thankful for next Thanksgiving Now Your turn A: Will you be spend ing the Thanksgiving holiday with us this year? B: No, I'm flying back to the States to spend the holiday with my mother and brother I haven ' t seen my family for over a year. You see, Thanksg iving is a big familyonce. So we also eat leftovers for days. A: Rich food isn't good for your health. Some Americans refuse a huge dinner and stick to a healthy meal of salad. B: The same is true here in China. Some people prefer tofu and vegetables to meat. A: Another important part of Christmas is the gifts. We heap up our presents under the Christmas tree or put them in stockings. Children are excited about gifts. B: In China we give children money in a red envelope. A: To enjoy a merry Christmas, Westerners exchange gifts, send Christmas cards, sing Christmas carols and throw parties. B: The Chinese set off firecrackers and fireworks to add to the jubilant atmosphere. In some places they also stage dragon and lion dances. And they visit relatives during the festival. A: Both the Spring Festival and Christmas are fascinating. MODEL 2 The Pilgrims' spirit of Thanksgiving lives on. Script Chris: Will Nora be spending Thanksgiving with us this year? Susan: No, she's going home to spend the holiday with her mother and brother. She hasn't seen her family in over a year. Chris: I know how she feels. Thanksgiving is such a big family holiday in the States. Susan: It began as a celebration by the Pilgrims. They were happy just to have survived their first harsh winter in the new land in 1621 " Chris: But wasn't that harsh winter followed by an abundant harvest? Susan: Yeah, that's good reason to celebrate: they had beaten the odds and were still alive. It was a time to relax and "count your blessings". Chris: You know, most cultures seem to have some sort of celebration like this--don't the Chinese have a festival of moon cakes to celebrate the harvest month? Susan: Yeah, they do. I believe the round moon cakes also symbolize a family reunion. Chris: Well, today Thanksgiving in the States has developed into a major holiday. Susan: True, it's a very emotional time. Families often travel great distances to be together and share a huge dinner. Jamie's mother will have a turkey and a ham, corn-on-the-cob, yams, peas and carrots, and to top it all off, pumpkin pie. Chris: Just thinking about all that food makes my mouth water, and I think I'm going to gain ten pounds this year. Susan: But you have the rest of the year to lose those unwanted pounds. And losing weight will give you something to be thankful for next Thanksgiving. Now Your Turn A: Will you be spending the Thanksgiving holiday with us this year? B: No, I'm flying back to the States to spend the holiday with my mother and brother. I haven't seen my family for over a year. You see, Thanksgiving is a big family