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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about holiday feelings, invitations, gifts, and playful traditions with care.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode explains expressions for holiday moods, enthusiastic attendance, small gifts, group gift exchanges, and children’s holiday folklore.
Cultural note: December holidays vary across communities and cultures. “Naughty list” and “lump of coal” are usually playful references to a Christmas tradition, not universal holiday language.
Keep exploringWhat can you say when you are excited to attend—or when a small gift turns out to be wonderful? Explore these seasonal expressions and their everyday uses.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Express enthusiasm or explain that you are not feeling festive.
Meaning
Feeling cheerful or enthusiastic about a holiday.
Tone & use
Often used around a holiday, but not everyone celebrates or enjoys the same holidays. “I’m not really in the holiday spirit” is a gentle way to say you do not feel festive.
Example
“After we decorated the community room, everyone was in the holiday spirit.”
Accept an invitation and talk about thoughtful presents.
Meaning
Attend an event eagerly and with excitement.
Tone & use
A cheerful, informal response to an invitation; it does not mean you will literally wear bells.
Example
“Thanks for inviting me to the concert—I’ll be there with bells on.”
Meaning
Something small can still be excellent or valuable.
Tone & use
Often said about a small person, item, or gift. Avoid using it to dismiss someone’s size or appearance.
Example
“The tiny bakery has amazing bread—good things come in small packages.”
Meaning
A small, usually inexpensive gift placed in a holiday stocking.
Tone & use
Especially associated with Christmas traditions in the United States; not a general term for every holiday gift.
Example
“I found a pocket-sized puzzle that would make a fun stocking stuffer.”
Understand gift exchanges and familiar Christmas references.
Meaning
A gift exchange in which each person gives a present to one assigned recipient, often anonymously.
Tone & use
Common at some workplaces, schools, and friend groups during the winter holidays. Agree on a budget so participation feels comfortable.
Example
“Our team is doing Secret Santa, with a ten-dollar limit.”
Meaning
In a Christmas story or joke, behaving badly and therefore not deserving a gift.
Tone & use
A playful reference to Santa folklore; avoid using it to shame or label a person seriously.
Example
“The cat knocked over the wrapping paper and joked that she was on the naughty list.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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