Christmas: Secular Traditions
A B1 reading lesson about Christmas, with a short article, vocabulary matching, comprehension questions, group discussion and a writing task. Answers and a teaching note are included on page 3.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Vocabulary matching before reading
- Article and comprehension questions
- Discussion and writing task
- Answers and teaching note on page 3
Explore secular Christmas customs through vocabulary matching, a four-paragraph reading, comprehension and descriptive writing.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 3 of 3 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Print pages 1–2 for learners and retain the page 3 key. Preview secular as non-religious in this context and distinguish it from the assumption that all people celebrate.
- Match tradition, decorate, gathering, generosity, seasonal and community with their definitions before reading.
- Answer five comprehension questions using the article, including its contrast between cold-weather and summer celebrations and different kinds of food.
- Discuss decorations, giving time or including neighbours, then write the assigned 120–150-word paragraph about a secular holiday tradition.
Support and extension
Support with paragraph numbers and descriptive sentence starters. Extend by comparing two ways a gathering can include people. Accept text-supported paraphrases; learners can describe an observed tradition rather than a personal family event.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
