A
There are some Christmas traditions between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Letters to Santa Claus
In the United States, kids usually write letters to Santa and put them in the mailbox. However, in England we throw them directly into the fire. We don't plan to make kids cry because burning the letters can send them to the North Pole where Santa can read your Christmas wishes in the smoke. It may seem strange but it does save on postage.
Hanging stocking
Traditionally, American kids hang stockings around the fireplace for Santa to fill with presents. But in the UK. we hang stockings around the bed; being surrounded by presents is a fantastic way to wake up on Christmas morning.
Christmas pudding
Americans prefer to have pumpkin and pecan pies for the Christmas dessert; while we British are fond of Christmas pudding. which is a cake flavored with dried fruits and spices.
Dealing with Christmas tree
We British chose to take down the Christmas trees and the decorations within 12 days of Christmas, because we hold the belief that keeping then beyond that time can bring bad luck. This is probably a tradition that Americans should consider adopting. I have seen people keep their old, brown, dry and withered Christmas trees until almost July 4.
1. How do the British people deal with "Letters to Father Christmas"?
A. Emailing them to Santa
B. Hiding them in the mailbox.
C. Putting them in the stockings. D. Throwing them straight into the fire.
2. Why do the British take down the Christmas tree as early as possible?
A. To stop it from drying B. To expect good luck.
C. To save money. D. To reuse it for the next year.
3. What do Christmas traditions between Britain and America have in common?
A. Writing letters to Santa. B. Making pumpkin pudding.
C. Hanging stockings around the bed. D. Keeping Christmas trees for months.
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. A
【解析】
这是一篇说明文。文章介绍了英国和美国在过圣诞节时，传统习俗的一些异同。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据Letters to Santa Claus部分However, in England we throw them directly into the fire.（然而，在英国，我们直接把它们扔进火里。）由此可知，英国人通过直接把信扔进火里，来处理“给圣诞老人的信”。故选D。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据Dealing with Christmas tree部分We British chose to take down the Christmas trees and the decorations within 12 days of Christmas, because we hold the belief that keeping then beyond that time can bring bad luck.（我们英国人选择在圣诞节的12天内拆除圣诞树和装饰，因为我们认为，超过12天的时间保留圣诞树和装饰会带来坏运气。）由此可知，英国人会尽可能早的拆掉圣诞树是因为他们期待好运。故选B。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据Letters to Santa Claus部分In the United States, kids usually write letters to Santa and put them in the mailbox. However, in England we throw them directly into the fire.（在美国，孩子们通常写信给圣诞老人，然后把信投进邮筒。然而，在英国，我们直接把他们扔进火里。）由此可知，英国和美国的圣诞节传统的共同之处是孩子们都给圣诞老人写信。故选A。
