Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Holidays” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Holiday Questions
1. What is your favorite holiday and why?
2. What holidays do you celebrate in your country?
3. How do you usually spend holidays with family?

II. Christmas
4. What are some Christmas traditions in your country?
5. How do people decorate their homes for Christmas?
6. What is your favorite Christmas food or dish?

III. Easter
7. What is the significance of Easter in your culture?
8. How do people celebrate Easter where you live?
9. What activities or games are played during Easter?

IV. Halloween
10. What are common Halloween costumes in your country?
11. How do people celebrate Halloween in your area?
12. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

V. New Year’s Eve
13. How do people celebrate New Year’s Eve in your country?
14. Are there any unique New Year’s traditions in your culture?
15. What are your goals or resolutions for the new year?

VI. Valentine’s Day
16. How do people express love on Valentine’s Day?
17. What are popular Valentine’s Day gifts in your country?
18. How did you celebrate your most memorable Valentine’s Day?

VII. Thanksgiving
19. What is the history of Thanksgiving in your country?
20. What are the typical dishes served at Thanksgiving dinner?
21. What are you most grateful for during Thanksgiving?

VIII. National Holidays
22. What are some important national holidays in your country?
23. How do people commemorate those national holidays?
24. Why do you think national holidays are important?

IX. Cultural or Religious Holidays
25. What are some unique cultural or religious holidays in your country?
26. How are those holidays celebrated or observed?
27. What is the meaning or significance of those holidays?

X. Birthdays
28. How do people celebrate birthdays in your culture?
29. What is a common birthday gift in your country?
30. What was your most memorable birthday celebration?

XI. Wedding Anniversaries
31. How do people celebrate wedding anniversaries in your culture?
32. What are traditional anniversary gifts in your country?
33. What is the most memorable anniversary celebration you’ve attended?

XII. Festivals and Carnivals
34. What are some famous festivals or carnivals in your country?
35. What activities take place during those events?
36. Have you ever participated in a festival or carnival?

XIII. Food and Holidays
37. What are some traditional holiday foods in your culture?
38. What is your favorite holiday dish or treat?
39. Have you ever tried cooking a holiday meal?

XIV. Gift Giving
40. What are popular gifts for various holidays in your country?
41. What is the best gift you’ve ever received or given?
42. Do you prefer to give or receive gifts during holidays?

XV. Traveling During Holidays
43. Have you ever traveled during a holiday?
44. What is a popular holiday travel destination in your country?
45. What was your favorite holiday trip?

XVI. Family Traditions
46. What are some family traditions during holidays?
47. How have your family’s holiday traditions changed over time?
48. What is your favorite holiday memory with your family?

XVII. Holiday Music and Movies
49. What are popular holiday songs or movies in your country?
50. What is your favorite holiday song or movie and why?
51. Do you enjoy watching holiday movies or listening to holiday music?

XVIII. Holiday Decorations
52. How do people decorate their homes for holidays in your culture?
53. What is your favorite holiday decoration?
54. Do you enjoy decorating your home for holidays?

XIX. Holiday Greetings
55. How do people greet each other during holidays in your culture?
56. What are some common holiday greetings in your language?
57. Can you teach me a holiday greeting in your language?

XX. Holiday Superstitions and Beliefs
58. Are there any superstitions or beliefs associated with holidays in your culture?
59. What is an interesting holiday superstition or belief from your country?
60. Do you believe in any holiday superstitions or follow any unique traditions?

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