In ancient times, if food was hard to find, people would face     1    (starve). So some ancient festivals were held to celebrate the harvest. They often took place     2    hunters had caught animals.

Today's festivals have many different     3    (origin): some are religious, some     4    (season), etc. Some festivals are held     5    (honour) the dead or to satisfy the ancestors. The Western holiday Halloween had its origin in old     6     (believe) about the return of the spirits of dead people. In China the Dragon Boat Festival honours     7     famous ancient poet, Qu Yuan. Harvest and Thanksgiving festivals     8     be very happy events. People are grateful because     9    (they) food is gathered and the agricultural work is over. In China and Japan people celebrate Mid-autumn festivals,     10    people admire the moon.

The Day After Thanksgiving (Friday) is known as Black Friday. This used to be unofficially or officially the start of holiday shopping season. Almost all stores come out with special early bird offers     1     (attract) consumers to their shop. People stand in line hours before the stores are opened, to grab the bargains of the year. In the last few years, we     2     (witness) a trend towards bringing those Black Friday Sales online before Friday.

In the last few years (starting from 2013 to be precise), Black Friday Sales have started before Friday—with some stores     3     (start) their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving day or even on Wednesday and Monday. It would not be surprising to see Black Friday sale starting on Monday on the Black Friday week.

The closest reason for     4     it is known as Black Friday     5     (give) in Wikipedia. Many retailers report some of     6     (they) highest profits on Black Friday. The black portion of the name, “Black Friday” relates to businesses recording their     7     (lose) in red ink and gains in black. This tradition lives on in modern accounting software.

Deals websites like Dealsofamerica.com started to highlight “Black Friday sales” from 2003     8     then the retailers picked it up.     9     (essential), Black Friday is an Internet term. But before it, people used to regard the sales     10     “Day after Thanksgiving Sale”.

New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year. It is always an exciting time because people look forward to     1    (welcome) a new year. It is also a good time to think back and say goodbye to the old year. New Year’s Eve is a     2    (nation) holiday for many people around the world. In a lot of countries , people go back to their hometown for the New Year, so usually the trains and buses    3    (pack) with people. In England, there is always a New Year’s Eve party,     4     is usually held at someone’s home and the host invites friends, families and neighbors. The living room becomes a mini disco as everyone dances    5     loud music.

I have lots of good     6    (memory) of New Year’s Eve . I once spent one freezing New Year’s Eve in Trafalgar Square in the center of London. It snowed and was     7    (bitter) cold . I also spent many wonderful New Year’s Eves in Japan. There, it is a tradition    8    (visit) a shrine(圣坛)and pray for good things. I think wherever you are, New Year’s Eve is always     9    exciting day. Maybe the last way to welcome the New Year     10    (be)watching amazing fireworks displays in the world’s cities.