Simplified Speech #234 – The Holidays 2025

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Indiana shares how she hosted a vegetarian Thanksgiving potluck, talks about classic U.S. traditions like turkey, parades, football, and turkey trots, and compares them with Canadian Thanksgiving. Then Andrew and Indiana discuss Christmas: when the Christmas season really starts, decorations in the USA and in Seoul, Christmas cookies and holiday baking, Christmas music, and the stress of buying and choosing gifts for family. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions in natural English Useful holiday vocabulary, such as potluck, parade, stocking, turkey trot, and Christmas carols How native speakers describe hosting guests, giving gifts, and feeling stressed or excited about holidays Real examples of small talk and storytelling about family, food, and celebrations This episode is perfect for you if: You want to speak more naturally about holidays, family gatherings, and special events You want to build your vocabulary for English conversations about traditions and culture You want to improve your listening skills with clear, natural speech from native speakers You want to feel more confident joining English conversations about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season