VI. Complete these definitions with a word or phrase.

1. Global warming is an increase in temperature caused by an increase in ….

2. A disaster is when something ….

3. A flood is the result of too much ….

4. A drought occurs when there is a long period without ….

NEW YEAR’S EVE

In Great Britain the New Year is not so widely celebrated as Christmas. The most common type of celebration is a New Year party.

In Wales and in the north of Britain almost all children are allowed to stay up until midnight, so that they can watch customs which let the Old Year out and bring the New Year in. Just before midnight, the ashes are cleared from the fireplace so that the year will be begun afresh. Money, especially silver money, is placed outside the door, and bread and a piece of coal are put as well to ensure health, wealth, and happiness to the household. A few minutes before twelve o’clock all the doors of the houses are opened to allow the spirit of the old year to depart. When the clock strikes twelve everyone wishes everyone else “A Happy New Year”. Then toasts, kisses, handshakes, and usually “Auld Lang Syne” is sung. The rest of the night is spent in eating, drinking, singing, and dancing

After midnight many people visit friends and neighbours.

There is a funny tradition connected with the New Year: the First Foot. This is the first visitor to enter a house on New Year’s morning. He is welcomed with the warmest hospitality. Traditionally, “The First Foot” should cross the threshold with a lump of coal and silver coins in his hands (or in some places with a glass of wine in one hand and a lump of coal in the other) to ensure the well-being of the family for the coming year. Coal helps to make a fire in midwinter and there shall never be lack of food and drink during the coming year. The First Foot must be a man because it is believed that if a woman first sets foot in the house, bad luck will follow the family throughout the year. It is a good thing everywhere if he is a “tall, dark-haired, and handsome” man.

Of course, not everyone goes out: a lot of people stay at home and watch the celebrations on TV. On New Year’s Day, people make New Year Resolutions, which they usually forget after a few days.

Some people ignore it completely and go to bed at a usual time.

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