DAY 5 – Summer Holiday Group 6 Year 6 English Trial Test

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

What similarities do the extracts have?

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

What is the prevalent theme in the extracts?

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

What type of text are the extracts?

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

Which of the following is NOT true based on the extracts?

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

What is the key takeaway from both extracts?

Extract A: The Importance of Siblings

People who work with kids can sometimes forget how important sibling relationships are for kids and teens’ healthy growth. We tend to pay more attention to the relationships between parents, which are very important but are only one part of the family as a whole. But 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and our relationships with them may last the longest.

Many things make siblings important. First, because they are close in age, kids may tell their siblings things they wouldn’t tell their parents. This could be about normal things like friendships, relationships, and school, but it could also be about more worrying things like abuse, drug use, pregnancy, self-harming behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.

Second, because kids and teens are more likely to be honest with their siblings, they may also be more likely to turn to their siblings for help. This piece is important because we know that being alone is one of the biggest risks for young people who are growing up. Teens should be able to talk to anyone about how they feel, whether it’s a sibling, a parent, or a friend. This can be very helpful and stop a depressed or anxious mood from getting worse. Lastly, siblings can talk things over with each other before trying them out with their friends. There is evidence that healthy relationships between siblings help kids be more empathetic, do good things for other people, and do well in school.

Healthy relationships between siblings can be a great source of support, but unhealthy or toxic relationships between siblings can be just as devastating and unstable. Sibling bullying is when kids say things to each other that their parents would never say to them. This means that kids can be even more emotionally abusive to each other than adults are to kids.

When adults compare one sibling to another, that can also be stressful. This hurts the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged and drives a wedge between them, making them even more distant from each other. Also, when one sibling is sick or has emotional problems, it can be very stressful for the whole family, including the other siblings.

Parents and people who work with children can do the following to help siblings get along better: Parents and people who work with kids should both ask how relationships between siblings are going, how they are healthy, and how they could be better. They should also celebrate the differences between siblings and try not to compare them. This will help them feel good about themselves and keep them from fighting with each other. Also, both siblings should get rewards when they work together, but neither should get this reward when they don’t work together. This will give them an outside reason to work together until they are old enough that it is just what they do.

Sibling relationships can have a big impact on people’s lives in a good way, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward making sure they stay healthy in the long run.

Extract B: Disadvantages & Drawbacks of Having Siblings

If you were an only child growing up, you might have felt like you were missing out on something by living “solo.” And maybe you did. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. People argue, fight, and feel like they’re not good enough. But one thing must be said: a lot of people think they’re missing out by not having siblings, but they haven’t really thought about all the bad things about having them.Yes, it does sound kind of sad, doesn’t it? Read on if you want to know why having siblings isn’t all sunshine and bees. We’ll talk about the bad things about having brothers or sisters below.

Jealousy is one of the biggest problems between siblings. There are a lot of things that can make one sibling feel jealous of the other, even if they have a lot of money. They will still feel betrayed if the other sibling gets a little bit of attention. For example, if you’re the younger child, you have to wait for a lot of things, like going out or buying clothes, because you have to make concessions with your older sibling. For example, you might have to use his or her things until you get a new one. This is when jealousy comes into play and makes relationships worse.

Comparisons don’t just happen between strangers or friends; they also happen between siblings, and often in the worst way. For example, if one sibling is good at school and the other isn’t, the sibling who isn’t good at school has to listen to a lot of things, even if they don’t want to.

As we grow up with our siblings, our parents have to take care of a lot of things to make our lives better, and they do everything they can to do so. However, when siblings get married or have children, which means the family grows, most of the problems start because the needs of everyone increase. Sometimes, this makes one person so self-centred that it leads to the breakup of the family as a whole.

When it comes to people, no two are the same, whether it’s about how they look or how they act. So, how can two siblings be the same? There are many ways that siblings can be different, such as in age, personality, activities, etc. Even though these differences seem normal, it’s not like they can’t cause a lot of trouble in their lives and in the lives of those around them. For example, if two siblings are of different ages, they will have different ideas and ways of thinking. When older siblings act like parents, younger siblings have to listen to them, which can sometimes make younger siblings hate their older siblings.

What information is given in extract A but not in extract B?

Why is the speaker wearing a mask?

What does the mask symbolise in the poem?

Which best describes the speaker in the poem?

What does lines 17 and 18 mean?

What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?

Which stanza shows when the speaker’s real feelings are revealed?

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It sounds like a cliche and an understatement to say that we’re going through hard times. In the past few months, news about the pandemic, the economy, and the heated political debates has made a lot of Americans very worried and sad. But when people look back on their lives, it’s usually the hardest things that helped them see things in a new light or grow the most. During a crisis, it doesn’t feel like that, though. 13………………..

At first, positive psychology was mostly about trying to find rewarding experiences that made people happier. But psychologists soon figured out that this kind of happiness comes from short-lived events, not a more lasting sense of contentment. Because of this, the field shifted to focus on creating satisfaction and well-being while still being open to all kinds of emotions, good and bad. Contrary to what you might think, trying to fight off painful feelings actually makes them worse. 14……………….. Ron Siegel, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, says, “It’s about being open to what is going on right now and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life.”

Self-talk is often the first step in being positive. 15……………….. These uncontrollable thoughts can be good or bad. Some of what you say to yourself makes sense. Other self-talk may come from misunderstandings you have because you don’t know enough or from expectations you have because of what you think will happen. If most of the things you think about are bad, you are more likely to have a pessimistic view of life. 16………………..

So how do you stay positive? First is to be more mindful. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judging it. When the future is uncertain, it helps to learn to live more in the present. 17……………….. These problems include cancer and chronic pain, mindfulness helps reduce their physical and mental symptoms.

Next is to share some kindness. Research shows that people who give their time to others are more likely to be happy than those who don’t. Those who give to charity might even feel a little better. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 18……………….. When you are thankful, you recognise the good things in your life. You can use this to change your past, your present, and your future. Our minds are set up to notice when something goes wrong. But writing down things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal makes you more aware of when things go well.

Which extract mentions about a type of chocolate that commonly has two components?

Which extract mentions about a chocolate that can be identified easily by its milky or white colour?

Which extract mentions about a type of chocolate that is considered as the most popular form of chocolate?

Which extract mentions about a type of chocolate whose fame has soared as a result of the publishing of multiple studies highlighting its medical benefits?

Which extract mentions about a type of chocolate that imparts a dish with a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavour?

Which extract mentions about a type of chocolate that is unusual since it does not consist of cocoa solids?

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

What can we NOT conclude from the article?

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

Which are facts given in the article?

I. In Mexico, people remember Mary and Joseph’s trip to Nazareth through the Las Posadas.

II. Christmas cracker crowns can be linked to an earlier Roman celebration.

III. Christmas occurs in the summer when you’re in China.

IV. For the millions of people who celebrate Christmas, the holiday is associated with traditions.

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

In which country can you spot Santa Claus on the beach, surfing instead of riding his sleigh?

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

What is a Christmas cracker?

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

According to the article, what is the prevailing mood during Christmas?

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is connected with traditions for the millions of people who celebrate the Christian holiday, including preparing and decorating Christmas cookies and decorating a Christmas tree with ancestral ornaments. People go on marathon shopping journeys, both in-store and online, while listening to Christmas carols to discover the ideal gift. With eggnog or hot chocolate in hand, people enjoy Christmas parades, concerts, and classic Christmas films while hanging their stockings and hanging their stockings. Diverse Christmas traditions exist throughout the world, but a joyful mood is prominent around the world.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia means that Christmas occurs during the summertime. On Christmas day, many families will have a barbeque for lunch and then head to the beach to celebrate. Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, as he is known to Australian children, has been known to make an appearance at the beach, sometimes arriving on a surfboard rather than his distinctive sleigh. “Carols by Candlelight” is an Australian custom that occurs in cities and towns around the country, where groups of people congregate to sing Christmas music while holding candles. Even the largest events in Melbourne and Sydney are broadcast on television.

In cities and towns around Mexico, Las Posadas is celebrated between December 16 and December 24. Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in quest of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. This voyage is commemorated by the Las Posadas celebration. During Las Posadas, which means “the inns” or “shelter” in Spanish, children wear garments depicting an angel, Mary, and Joseph. The procession is followed by adults and musicians who stop at predetermined residences. Each residence portrays an inn, and when the procession requests lodging, refreshments are served and Christmas carols are performed. In honour of Mary’s nine-month pregnancy, the festivities run for nine nights. On the final evening, the children celebrate by cracking out candy- and toy-filled pinatas.

Christmas crackers play a significant role in the British holiday celebration. And these are not the crisp flat rounds next to the cheese on the table. According to the BBC, a Christmas cracker is a three-chambered cardboard tube covered in brightly coloured paper that is twisted to join the two outside chambers to the middle chamber. The middle chamber of this candy-shaped container contains a small toy, a joke or riddle, and a paper crown. A cardboard strip with a tiny explosive charge runs along the interior of the cracker, so that when two individuals pull on either end, the cracker breaks into two pieces with a “crack” sound. Whoever holds the side still connected to the central chamber wins the prize. The origin of Christmas crackers’ crowns can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia, which was celebrated around the winter solstice.

Some Norwegians combine modern Christian and ancient pagan Christmas rituals. One Christmas Eve tradition is to hide any broomsticks before going to bed, as it is believed that evil witches and spirits will steal any broomsticks they see to fly on on December 24. For dessert, “riskrem,” a cold rice pudding with berry sauce, is a sweeter Norwegian custom. Families will hide a single blanched almond in the rice custard; whoever finds it will receive a modest reward and be deemed fortunate.

What is the purpose of the article?