Student's Times 2014-2018 2015/17/11 | Page 13

When bellies are full after rich dinner, the Americans choose different ways of relaxing. Some of them watch American football as it is such a big deal throughout the States, or the New York City Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, others talk about their families or play card or board games or take a walk or have a nap. However, some of them decide to help poor or homeless people so they use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to volunteer at homeless shelters where they serve food, or they simply donate some money or food. The White House celebrates as well Each year on Thanksgiving Day, the President of the United States receives a live turkey and he traditionally ‘pardons’ the National Thanksgiving Turkey and allows it to live happily ever after on its farm. The presidential turkey pardon is quite a new phenomenon which started George H.W. Bush because the turkey he got as a present looked nervous, and Bush said: ‘Let me assure you, and this fine from turkey that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy. He’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now.’ So the new tradition was born! Vocabulary spot! Since Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in one of the English speaking countries some vocabulary connected to this day is needed for the maturita exam! Here are the important key words which might be helpful! Thanksgiving Day – Den díkůvzdání Native Americans – indiáni (= původní Američané) Black Friday and Cyber Monday After the great feast eaten on the Thanksgiving Day people usually have a day off the following day because their bellies have to recover from the huge amount of food eaten on the Thanksgiving Day. This day is called the Black Friday, and most of the stores have a huge sale, and extended hours so it is undoubtedly paradise for all shopaholics. Nevertheless, shopping on this day is not that easy as it seems to be because madness gets in the air, and everybody wants to buy the cheapest stuff. Each year some injuries are reported because people fight for the last pieces, however, some people were even killed in the past due to the lack of fresh air after being knocked down when the doors opened. Nonetheless, the Black Friday is not the end of the Thanksgiving madness. The Monday after Thanksgiving is called the Cyber Monday which was created by the marketing companies to persuade people to shop online which can be safer alternative to the Black Friday. The point is the same – to spend as much money as possible. Pilgrims – poutníci maize/corn – kukuřice turkey – krocan stuffing – nádivka pumpkin pie – dýňový koláč family gathering – rodinná sešlost feast – hostina wreath – věnec T. Dorňáková, OK