Valentine’s Day in China

It is really difficult to know the exact time     1     western Valentine’s Day was introduced into China. However, western Valentine’s Day is     2     (wide) celebrated in urban areas where there are a lot of commercial (商业的) events, especially in big cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Valentine’s Day is not so popular in small cities,     3     (town) and the countryside.

So far, Chinese people     4     (accept) the tradition westerners on celebrating Valentine’s Day, such as     5     (exchange) gifts, having a romantic dinner, watching a movie in the evening or even making a marriage registration if Valentine’s Day falls on a workday.

On this day, larger amounts of chocolate will be on sale in supermarkets,     6     compared with the ordinary days, cinemas will be much     7     (busy) and the price of flowers and restaurants and hotels can be a lot higher. Many restaurants will have special menus, especially those in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. If you want to have a smooth     8     (celebrate) on Valentine’s Day, remember     9     (make) reservations (预定) as far in advance as you can.

Chinese people have also made some changes to the western way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. For some couples, the husband may prepare a rich dinner or buy a beautiful dress     10     his wife on this day to show his appreciation.

7 . Last week, Octavius who is deaf and his mother Shatika Dixon went to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate his fourth birthday. When Octavius and his mother were sitting there, a waitress named Kathryn Marasco watched from a distance and _______ that the mom was talking and signing to the little boy who had his _______ aids.

When Kathryn Marasco _______ that it was Octavius’ birthday, she asked her fellow server, Brandie White, to log on to a website with her to search for a special phrase for the birthday boy.

They _______ how to say “happy birthday” in American Sign Language, and quickly got all the _______ down. Then, the servers went up to Octavius’ table to _______ him what they had learned. “Happy birthday to you,” the waitresses signed. Octavius and his mom were very impressed.

Later, Octavius’ mother said this was the first time he had _______ with people other than her and his teacher. It was a simple phrase but an important _______ to Octavius. Thanks to the two _______ waitresses, his fourth birthday is one that he and his mom will ________ for a lifetime.

Dixon said the ________ from Marasco and White made her very emotional. “Everybody thinks we’re ________ when we’re talking and signing over there. So it’s ________ important to me that someone ________ that and picked up that phrase and made that ________ just for him, my baby.”