Reading. A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY (Pre-Int)

A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

¹_______ the 17th century, Scotland has been celebrating a very special ²_______ which takes place on the 31st of December. There is a big party for New Year’s Eve, which is called Hogmanay in Scotland. The whole event is very impressive, including firework displays and lots of tasty food and drink. The party, which is a tradition only in Scotland, starts in the evening and goes on until the morning of New Year’s Day. Sometimes the partying goes on until 2nd January, which is a national holiday in Scotland. The date has a ³_______ significance in the country, as the Norse people who used to live in Scotland had a similar winter celebration around this time, which lasted for 12 days – just like the modern ’12 days of Christmas’, which include Hogmanay. During these special occasions, the atmosphere is really ⁴_______ and friendly, and people invite each other ⁵_______ to their houses. A typical tradition throughout the celebration is called ‘first-footing,’ which involves a race to be the first person through the front door of a friend or neighbour’s home. ⁶_______ give gifts such as salt, coal, shortbread, whisky or a black bun – a rich fruit cake. A gift must be given to bring good luck to the home for the following year. Plans for Hogmanay start a few months before the big day. The ⁷_______ for the special occasions is usually someone’s home – guests can enjoy a ⁸_______ of food and a selection of drinks. Music can often be heard up and down the street from each party. All the guests are easy to talk to and even if you don’t know anyone, the hosts will make you feel very welcome. It’s a happy time of the year for everyone to enjoy.