I still remember the last Christmas Granny spent with us. I remember it was a cold, windy day because Granny’s grey hair was a     1     when she arrived. With Christmas on the way, our     2     grew each day—lights appeared in the streets, Christmas cards arrived, and there was snow everywhere. Granny and I made sugar biscuits,     3     the turkey and then I sat on my granny’s lap and we sang Christmas songs. Granny had     4     to sing it over and over again.

On Christmas Eve, Granny took a seat by the fire as we put up the Christmas tree. I     5     most of the decorations on the branches.Before bed, Granny and I put a stocking at the end of my bed. I was on my best behaviour as we opened the presents the next day. Later, Granny called me over. “I have something special for you,” Granny     6    . “It’s for all your treasures. Merry Christmas.”It was a music box with a ballet dancer inside.

Lunch was a loud and exciting affair. We put on silly paper hats and had a big turkey with potatoes, followed by Christmas pudding. David put so much pudding in his mouth that he couldn’t     7    . Granny laughed so much that her paper hat fell off.

A few weeks after that Christmas, Granny passed away. When I think about what makes Christmas so     8    , it’s not just gifts and Father Christmas that come to mind. It’s also my memory of Granny.

Spring Festival is highly valued by every Chinese family. Preparations begin a week before the festival. First, the house is     1     from top to bottom. People say it is to sweep away the dirt of the past year and get ready for the new year.

Next, the Chinese     2     Fu is attached upside down to the front door. It is believed that when Fu is put upside down, happiness arrives.

The greatest excitement begins the night before Spring Festival. Fireworks are let off     3     the city, suddenly lighting up the night sky. Children will     4     their ears but with an expectant look on their faces. It is     5     to scare away the monster Nian. Then people sit together to enjoy Jiaozi. They are a sign of our wishes for     6     and happiness in the coming year.

This is Spring Festival—the joy of a family gathering.