Hey everyone, this week we will listen to Slow English about “Christmas in Our House” with the introduction by Phuong Linh! Unlike countries with a majority of their population being CHRISTIANS, in Vietnam, CHRISTMAS – or the Christmas holiday does not carry much RELIGIOUS MEANING for those who are not PRACTICING CHRISTIANS. However, in recent years, Christmas has gradually become an occasion for everyone, especially children, to GO DOWNTOWN and an opportunity for family and friends to GATHER and EXCHANGE GIFTS. For Vietnamese people, Christmas, even though it does not carry a heavy religious meaning, has gradually become a CELEBRATION of FAMILY TIES like in many other cultures. Coming to Australia during Christmas, everyone will experience a very unusual Christmas atmosphere: Christmas during the hottest time of summer, because Australia is in the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, hence it has OPPOSITE SEASONS compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Instead of images of family meals with smoke or snowmen, Australians' Christmas is associated with PLAYING CRICKET and BBQ parties at the beach. However, to enjoy a traditional Christmas in cold weather, Australians also have CHRISTMAS IN JULY, also known as YULEFEST or YULETIDE in Australia to have the feeling of eating warm food with BONFIRES. Although Christmas in July is not considered an OFFICIAL HOLIDAY or celebrated by everyone, this occasion is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.