My last holiday

My last holiday

Learn how to write about your last holiday.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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My last holiday was a five-day trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. I know Prague well because I lived there when I was at university, more than ten years ago.

Instead of staying in a hotel, I stayed with one of my old friends. It was so much fun, and a little bit like my old life. I wanted to do all the same things I did in my university days, so I visited the university. It has changed a lot and looks more modern. I also went to the supermarket near my old house. I loved seeing all the different foods. I was really happy to find my favourite cheese and chocolate biscuits but they were a bit more expensive than I remember!

We did some touristy things too. We walked up beautiful Petrin Hill and around the castle. The views of the city are amazing up there. We walked across the historic Charles Bridge. My friend's flat is very near the TV Tower so we saw the famous baby statues climbing up it. Those things haven't changed, of course.

1. Try to make your writing interesting for the reader. To do this, you can make it personal with your own memories and experiences.

2. Use adjectives to add detail to your descriptions.

3. Write clear and simple sentences and organise your ideas in short paragraphs. Give each paragraph a different topic.

4. Use so, but, and, because and other linking words.

Where was your last holiday?

Language level

I want you to know that I am very happy and enjoying my vacation quite a bit. The destination on this vacation has been the Colombian Caribbean coast, We arrived two days ago, this is a very nice experience. Yesterday I discovered the window to the world that is located in Barranquilla, as well as the boardwalk, they are very warm places but above all very visited, as the afternoon fell I went to visit some of my husband's brothers. Tomorrow we will get up very early to travel a few kilometers and be able to visit Cabo de la Vela, in La Guajira, we will leave at 6 am, because we must be in Uribia Guajira at 3 pm, there the tour guide will be waiting for us, who will be the one in charge of directing this adventure. I also had the opportunity to visit Cartagena de Indias and its beautiful beaches, I really liked getting to know the beach, the sea and the people who live there, But what I liked most was being able to visit Cabo de la Vela and learn a little about the reality of the Wayuu culture, being able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and sunsets that this beautiful place offers.

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My last was holiday three-week trip to Fez in Morocco. Fez it’s my hometown so I know it well because I lived there for 26 years. I went to visit my family there and I stayed at home, every day I was invited by my sisters and brothers, they made me delicious dishes and we had a good time together. I’ve been seeing my friends every day in the café, we’ve been seeing football matches and we’ve been talking about different topics. In this holiday I made many things important for me, I had driving courses to be confident when I’m going to buy a car, in the same time I had English courses.  

My last holiday was a three-day trip to Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam. I always want to go there, so in the summer of last year, I decided to take a trip to Hue with my family.

We booked a small hostel near Hue Walking Road. We stayed in a twin room, which was clean and had full amenities. The owner was very friendly; he showed us good restaurants, attractions, and how to deal with sellers in the market. We tried local foods such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Xeo, Banh Bot Loc, etc. The food in Hue is cheap and amazing; I thought that I could eat it all day!

We did some touristy things too. We visited Hue Capital and had a chance to learn more about Vietnam's history. The architecture is very majestic and beautiful. We also went to Thien Mu Pagoda. It is one of the most sacred temples in Vietnam, so we prayed for health and happiness and wished everyone good luck. In the evening, we walked across the historic Trang Tien Bridge. It was so beautiful at night; there were a lot of people walking there. 

It was three amazing days. I felt so relaxed and hope to visit more places in Vietnam.

My last holiday was a two-day trip to Baguio in the Philippines. I had lived there before for five months. So I decided to go back for just a visit on my holiday. Unfortunately, there was heavily raining as we got off the bus. Otherwise, getting a taxi was super hard, and we were waiting for around an hour. Fortunately, I got home safely and I made so much fun with my friends. I visited the old places that I often did because it made me happy and refresh. In conclusion, I had so much fun spending my last holiday in Baguio.

I remember last year when I went with friend to the beach in summer. My Lastsummer holidays was 2days and 3 nights trip to Ngwe Saung Beach in Myanamr . Ngwe Saung, is a beach resort located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. In 2014, the town of Ngwesaung had 10,732 people.The beach is 5hours drive with no traffic away from the principal city of Yangon. Ngwe Saung is well know for An unspoilt 15 kilometres stretch of silvery sand and modern amenities have made Ngwe Saung a popular destination for less budget conscious tourists from Lower Myanmar. I booked for our stay at a hotel near the beach, name was "Grand Paradise Hotel ". My friend and i prepared everything we needed on our trip as light food and soft drinks to have on the way to the hotel. And also we prepared necessary clothing for the sea, sun cream and some essential medicines. After 5hours of driving we arrived the hotel at 12PM afternoon and went to our rooms to rest change clothes and take all what we need to go to the beach. This Hotel is near the beach,all services was good and room are cleaned, wide and nice. We put our bags on the table and went to swim in the sea and then went out for lunch that my friend ordered from a fish restaurant . The Crab ,Lobster and fish was fresh and tasty and we enjoyed our meal very much. After lunch we sat under the canopy enjoying the sea view, refreshing breaths ,listening to music and playing fun games. OH really nice Ngwe Saung beach Myanamr.

My last holiday was far away in time in different reasons. We were at black sea coast on September so there where not so much other people. We was drinking a wine that was cheap there and going some excursions

My last holiday. Last summer, in particular on the last weekend of June, I decided to visit Granada, an amazing city in Spain. I visited Granada for the second time with my family, my wife, and two daughters. I was so happy because I visited Granada sights, especially Alhambra Palace, and Civilization Museum. We arrived at the hotel by bus at 11 a.m. The hotel was wonderful and clean, and the food they offer was delicious. My family really liked the traditional typical dishes of Granada, in particular the dish named Baella. During the holiday, I met some of my Spanish colleagues and they invited us to visit their house which is located in a nice village in the city suburb. Really, I liked this place for the large landscape, calmness, and the kind people who live in. On the fifth day of our holiday, we walked around the city and saw the old city which has been built above the mountain. So, you can see the whole city from above it. Despite the enjoyment that we have got, the negative thing about that holiday was that we spent so much money and also many friends need to buy some things from there, so I bought some souvenirs and I hope that I can keep one for myself to remind of that divine place. By and large, this holiday was great and unforgettable thanks to my Spanish friend, Gaspar, who provided me with a Guidebook which makes my trip easy and coy.

My last holiday was four days on São Miguel dos Milagres with my family. We stay on the beach house of my grandpa. There is a pool, and four rooms in that. There we go to the beach, to some interesting restaurants, to a beach clube and to an ice cream shop. I love that travel and i'd love go back to São Miguel dos Milagres.

On the first weekend in March, we took an amazing trip to Barcelona. We went by train from Atocha station and the journey lasted two and a half hours.

When we arrived at the historic Barcelona Sants station, we took the metro to Plaza de Tetuan, which is where we had the apartment. We left our baggage and went to visit the city centre, Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, La Boqueria Market, Paseo de Gracia, etc. On Sunday, we saw the beautiful Sagrada Familia which is my favourite landmark. Later, we went to the incredible Nou Camp stadium to see the Barça game against Valencia. After the game we visited the official store and did some shopping but everything was very expensive. On Monday, before returning to Madrid we went back to the Nou Camp to take a guided tour of the trophy room, changing rooms, benches, and the VIP box.

At the end, we went to the apartment to take the suitcases and so, we took the metro to the Sants station where we boarded the high speed train back to Madrid.

I go to Thailand for a camping holiday, It was fun I go caving on the first day, I see many bets are sleeping on top of the cave.(no time to finish)

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Student Opinion

15 Prompts for Talking and Writing About the Holidays and the New Year

Share your traditions, weigh in on a seasonal debate, write a creative story or reflect on the year behind you while preparing for the one ahead.

Hands fill up plates from dishes of food on a table with a red tablecloth. A bowl with a green salad is in the center of the table, and next to it is a casserole dish of macaroni and cheese and a candleholder with six red candles.

By Natalie Proulx

Merry Christmas , happy Hanukkah , joyous Kwanzaa and happy New Year.

To celebrate the season, we’ve rounded up 15 prompts we’ve written over the years that you can use for writing or discussion in the classroom, among your friends or at your holiday gatherings. You might talk about your beloved family traditions, weigh in on a seasonal debate, write a holiday-themed short story or poem, or reflect on the year behind you and prepare for the one ahead.

Each of these prompts was inspired by a New York Times article, essay or image, and many of them are still open for comment for students 13 or older.

For more writing prompts and conversation-starters, see our related column .

1. What Holiday or Holidays Are You Celebrating This Month?

Hanukkah? Christmas? Kwanzaa? A combination? Something else? Use this prompt to talk or write about your own holiday celebrations — or those that other families have that you wish you could be a part of.

2. What Are Your Family Traditions?

Students who weighed in on this prompt told us about preparing 12 meals for Ukrainian Christmas, making the haft sin for Nowruz, lighting the candles on the menorah for Hanukkah and playing the game White Elephant. What rituals help you mark the holidays or reflect on the year?

3. What Foods Will Be on Your Holiday Table?

Food is an important part of holiday celebrations all over the world. What dishes will be on your table this year? You might talk about the best festive snacks and finger foods with this prompt , or take inspiration from Lunar New Year and share your favorite holiday food traditions with this prompt .

4. How Do You Decorate for the Season?

Traditional or modern? Over-the-top or more understated? Discuss the way your family decorates for the holidays — or how you wish it did — with these two prompts. How do you think you will choose to decorate your home when you are older?

5. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Holiday Celebrations?

Several of the winter holidays have religious roots. In “ Saying Goodbye to Hanukkah ,” a writer asks whether you can celebrate traditionally religious holidays without religion. What do you think? Read the essay and then use this prompt to talk or write about how much religion is a part of your life and your holiday celebrations.

6. Do You Look Forward to Family Get-Togethers This Time of Year?

The approaching holidays often mean spending more time with family members, who come from near and far. Who do you look forward to seeing this time of year? Do you enjoy large family get-togethers or do you find them overwhelming? Use this prompt to talk or write about your most memorable family gathering.

7. What Makes a Great Gift?

What are you giving this holiday season? What are you hoping to get, or what have you already received? Use this prompt to share your gift-giving dos and don’ts, talk about the best and worst gifts you’ve gotten and weigh in on the adage “It’s better to give than to receive.”

Or, use this prompt to debate the commercialization of Christmas and whether experiences make better gifts than physical items do.

8. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings?

Now it’s time for a holiday debate: Are phones and other electronics welcome at your family or holiday gatherings? Do you think they should be? Can they ever be helpful? Or are they a distraction from spending quality time with your loved ones? Discuss these questions and others with our related prompt .

9. What Will You Be Watching, Listening To and Wearing This Season?

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”? An ugly Christmas sweater, perhaps? Use these prompts to debate the best and worst holiday films , share what’s on your seasonal playlist and plan your special holiday outfit .

10. What Can You Do for Others This Year?

This year, Nov. 29 was #GivingTuesday on social media, a day when you were invited to take a break from buying things, and, instead, show generosity to others. The Giving Tuesday website suggests thinking about it this way:

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

What do you have to give? What people, issues or causes are important to you? What can you do this holiday season to give back? Tell us here , and then get more inspiration from the Opinion section’s Holiday Giving Guide .

11. What Seasonal Story Could These Images Tell?

Related Picture Prompt

holiday story essay

A magical gift. A sledding adventure. A family gathering. What story could these images from around The Times tell? Choose one or more of the holiday- and winter-themed picture prompts from the slide show above, and then write a creative short story, poem or memoir inspired by them.

Another option? Use one of these images to play Exquisite Corpse with your friends, family or classmates: One person starts by writing or saying aloud the first line of a story based on the image, and then another person adds on, and so on.

12. What Were the Best and Worst Things About 2022 for You?

The Times’s art and culture critics often end the year by compiling a series of “best of” lists — the best TV shows , movies , art , songs , podcasts , books , comedy , poetry , theater , dance performances and more .

What would be on your “best of the year” list? What would be on your “worst of the year” list? What art or pop culture did you love or loathe? What news, sporting events or viral social media moments did you think were great or terrible? What were the most notable aspects of your personal, family or academic life? Use this prompt to help you make your “best” and “worst” lists and then compare them to those of other students.

13. What Would You Pick as Word of the Year?

Every year the Oxford English Dictionary selects a “word of the year” that is meant “to reflect the ethos, mood or preoccupations” of the previous year. For 2022, the publisher chose “goblin mode.” What do you think of this choice? What is one word or phrase that you think sums up this year? Weigh in on our related prompt .

14. What Was the Best Day of Your Year?

When you look back on the past year, what would you say was your most memorable day? Were you celebrating a big life event or achievement, like getting your license? Or were you doing something more mundane — perhaps talking to a friend on the phone, making a meal for your family or taking a long walk alone? What made that day so special to you?

Even though this prompt was written in 2021, you can still use the article and questions to take some time to appreciate your favorite day of this past year.

15. Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?

As one year ends and another begins, will you take stock of all that you have (or haven’t) accomplished and make resolutions for the year ahead? Or, like other Gen Zers, according to this article , do you set goals all year round? Use this prompt to talk or write about the various goals or self-improvements you are currently working toward, as well as those you’d like to focus on in the New Year.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

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Our Favorite Essays And Stories About the Holidays

holiday story essay

Reading Lists

We dug into our archives for pieces worth celebrating.

Image of a lamppost at night with snow and wreaths

The holiday season—which I (arbitrarily!) define as beginning in mid-November and continuing through the first of the year—is a minefield. If you’re lucky, the bombs are carbohydrate- or confetti-filled. If you’re not, you’re facing roughly two months of celebratory gatherings and realizing that alcohol, while perhaps a helpful social lubricant, does not actually have the power to silence your mother’s unsolicited opinion about your ticking biological clock. However full or empty your cup of holiday cheer, these essays, stories, and lists are perfect for “the most wonderful time of the year.”

“ Forsaken by the Bitch Goddess at Year’s End ” by Carson McCullers

Sometimes the best gifts are curveballs. This story is like that. If you have a my-glass-is-half-empty perspective this holiday season, read this story. It’s seasonally appropriate, but it’s not saccharine—I promise you will not leave it feeling like Santa’s elves have sneezed Christmas glitter all over you. You will leave it with “a knife, instead of coal, in your stocking.”

At the end of the night it stopped snowing. The early dawn was pearl gray and the day would be fair and very cold. At sunrise Ken put on his overcoat and went downstairs. At that hour there was no one on the street. The sun dappled the fresh snow with gold, and shadows were cold lavender. His senses searched the frozen radiance of the morning and he was thinking he should have written about such a day—that was what he had really meant to write.

“ Please Do Not Give Me Another Freaking Bookmark ” by Carrie V. Mullins

As any voracious reader knows, the only thing you really want for Christmas is a book, which also happens to be the only thing your loved ones refuse to give you (in their defense, it’s not their fault, you’ve read everything). Unfortunately, this dilemma often results in the purchase of book-related garbage—and do you really need another bookmark? No, no you do not. If you’re worried about being on the receiving end of yet another pillow embroidered with a literary quote, I recommend sharing this list of alternative ideas with your friends and family this year. 

“ This Christmas Is Unlike Any Other, and Exactly the Same ” by Tabitha Blankenbiller

The holiday season can often feel like a one-dimensional menagerie of glee, as enthusiasts fail to ask important questions like: just how many Christmas lights does this desiccated evergreen actually need? In her thoughtful essay, Blankenbiller discovers a book on Christmas in midcentury America that prompts her to unpack her own holiday traditions in the context of her own unusual cultural moment.

This collection I’m now surrounded with for the remainder of my quarantine holiday is the answer to a question I wouldn’t have dreamed to ask. How did you know it would get better? This sparkling, melancholy, fading world is its own reply. We didn’t. But we celebrated anyway. As you do. As people always have.

“ Literary-Inspired Decoration Ideas for a Horrifying White House Christmas ” by Elyse Martin

If you decorated your Christmas tree last year with pretty lights and festive ornaments, might I suggest mixing it up? This list is bursting with ideas for those interested in tossing tradition to the wind. Projectile vomiting, anyone?

“ Why Do Made-for-TV Christmas Movies Hate Working Women? ” by Elissa Bassist

Build Your Own Christmas Movie Romance , written by Riane Konc, is, in Bassist’s words, “a choose-your-own-escapade that spoofs every Christmas rom-com ever made.” In this fun and enlightening interview, Riane and Bassist discuss everything from Hallmark movies (in which “big city businesswoman is the worst thing you can be or do”), to the Venn diagram overlap between funny people and sad people, to the best way to end any story.

… the best way to end a story, no matter the genre or medium, is to slowly pull back to reveal that actually, the entire story has been taking place inside of a giant snowglobe this whole time. Imagine how much better A Little Life would have been if Hanya Yanagihara had done this. Imagine how much better The Wire would have been. And how much better this interview would have been. This is the only real way to end any story, and deep down, I think everybody knows it.

“ The Worst Holidays in Literature ” by Carrie V. Mullins

If your family is anything like mine, disaster—or maybe just the possibility of disaster—looms large in the month of December. If you’re anticipating capital-F holiday Fails, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in famous company. This list contains 11 sparkling examples of festive full-blown catastrophes. Cheers! 

“ Could the Three Ghosts of Christmas Save the Scrooges of the Trump Era? ” by Reina Hardy

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the most iconic and beloved of holiday tales. In her essay, Reina Hardy reconsiders the story and its applicability—or lack thereof—to America’s political woes. 

The fantasy of A Christmas Carol, that the hearts of the powerful can be magically changed, has never felt more seductive than it does this year — and it’s never been clearer that it’s a fantasy.

“ Literary Holidays You Should Add to Your Calendar ” by Natalee Cruz

Christmas may have a monopoly on the commercial market, but it’s by no means the only holiday worth celebrating. Pencil in time for the literary holidays on this list in 2022—to which I’d add World Poetry Day (March 21), Banned Books Week (last week of September), and Mad Hatter Day (October 6).

“ Christmas Alone Is Better than Christmas with a Creep ” by Georges Simenon

If I’m being simplistic, Christmas-themed tales tend to come in two varieties: heartwarming and cozy, or dark and despairing. Georges Simenon’s classic “Christmas story for grown-ups” isn’t a Hallmark movie—it opens with a suicide, the protagonist is a prostitute, and it’s replete with lines like:

But does anybody want to go home on Christmas Eve knowing there is no one waiting there and with the prospect of lying in bed listening to the sound of music and happy voices coming through the wall?

That said, this short story still manages to capture the Christmas spirit. I can’t explain it, but it is nevertheless true.

“ 9 Books About Krampus and Other Holiday Horrors ” by Preety Sidhu

While Saint Nicholas has historically bogarted all the cultural glory associated with the Christmas holiday (at least in the United States), Krampus is a figure who might appeal more to those reluctant to hang up their Halloween costumes for snowmen and caroling. If you’re looking to shake up your tinsel-laden December with a little gore, get in the Krampus spirit with the grisly tales featured on this list.

“ The Mayor Who Gave His Town a Holiday for Sex ” by Ramona Ausubel

Look, maybe Christmas isn’t for you. It’s not your style! You’re allergic to peppermint! There’s nothing wrong with that! If that’s the case, this story about an alternative holiday might appeal. Christmas isn’t for everyone, but surely Love Day is. 

Tom thinks about a designated sex day. Everything around him is dreary. The economy droops. Winter is nigh. He takes solace in the fact that the whole city seems to have reached the sloppy bottom place, has sunk to the pond-scummy floor and that anything, it seems, would be an improvement. Tom begins to draft an announcement for the newspaper. He changes the name of the holiday to Love Day.

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Essay on Holiday for Students and Children

500+ words essay on holiday.

Holidays are very important parts of everyone’s life, be it a student or a working person. Everyone deserves to take a break from the monotony to rejuvenate and maintain their health. Holidays help us do exactly that.

Essay on Holiday

Other than that, a holiday allows us to complete all our pending work. Nowhere will you find a person who dislikes holidays. From a school going toddler to your house help, everyone looks forward to holidays and see them as a great opportunity to relax and enjoy .

Importance of Holidays for Students

When one thinks about what a holiday means for students, we notice how important it is for the kids. It is a time when they finally get the chance to take a break from studies and pursue their hobbies.

They can join courses which give them special training to specialize in it. They can get expert in arts, craft, pottery, candle making and more. Furthermore, they also make new friends there who have the same interests.

In addition, students get to visit new places on holiday. Like during summer or winter holidays , they go with their families to different cities and countries. Through holidays, they get new experiences and memories which they remember for a lifetime.

Furthermore, it also gives them time to relax with their families. Other cousins also visit each other’s places and spend time there. They play games and go out with each other. Moreover, students also get plenty of time to complete their homework and revise the syllabus.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Holidays for Working People

Holidays for working people are somewhat similar to what they mean for students. In fact, they carry more importance to them than students. Though they are adults, they also yearn for the holidays. Why so? They do not get as many holidays as students do.

Most importantly, the holiday no matter how little it gives them a great chance to relax. More so because they work tirelessly for so many hours a day without a break. Some even work when they get home. This makes their schedule very hectic and gives them little time to rest. A holiday fills the gap for this rest.

Read 500 Words Essay on Summer Vacation

Similarly, due to such a hectic schedule working people get less time to spend with their family. They get distanced from them. Holidays are the perfect chance to strengthen their bonds and make amends.

In other words, a working person needs holidays for the smooth functioning of life. Without holidays they will face pressure and won’t be able to be productive when they work non-stop. After all, when a person earns, they must spend it on something recreational from time to time so they also remain happy and work happily.

Thus, we see how holidays play an important role in maintaining a great balance between our work and play. We must try to make the most of the holidays and spend them wisely so we do not waste time. Never waste a holiday as they are very few in number where you can actually, rest or utilize it properly.

Q.1 What importance does a holiday hold?

A.2 A holiday is one of the most important parts of anyone’s life. It brings joy and comfort to everyone. Everyone loves holidays as they give them time to relax and enjoy themselves with their families.

Q.2 How can one spend their holidays?

A.2 There are many ways to spend a holiday. You can pursue your hobby and take professional classes to master the art. Furthermore, you may also travel the world and discover new places and experiences to get more exposure.

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Essays About Christmas: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts

Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the world. Discover our helpful guide that you can use to write essays about Christmas.

Christmas is known to many as the birthday of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. However, the festival has become more secular over the years and is celebrated by most people regardless of religion. Every December 25, something magical happens.

To most people, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year.” People celebrate, gather at a friend or family member’s house, feast, and open gifts. Whether or not you celebrate it as a religious holiday, the feelings of warmth, joy, and nostalgia that Christmas evokes are universal and meaningful to all.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. the magic of christmas by erin, 2. the possibility of a merry covid christmas by sarah begley, 3. my christmas experience by elliot johnson.

  • 4.  A personal reflection on Christmas by Jo Betz
  • 5. ​​Christmas traditions around the world by Becky Such

6 Prompts for Essays About Christmas

1. what is christmas to you, 2. the history of christmas, 3. a christmas tradition, 4. christmas in your home country, 5. christmas in non-christian households, 6. why is christmas the most celebrated holiday.

“Although, a few years later, I found out that he was not real, the magic of Christmas still remains. I realized that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and this is something I hold close to my heart. With our family’s traditions and celebrating Jesus’ birth, the magic of Christmas will always be real for me.”

In this short essay, Erin reflects on her family’s Christmas traditions, particularly during her childhood. She recalls the food, music, and different practices of many Christmases ago; in particular, she remembers the magic of Santa Claus and how she wished to see him one day. She eventually found out Santa wasn’t real, but that did not take away the magic of Christmas from her. She still treasures Christmas and anticipates it yearly. 

“Maybe we will come roaring back with great excesses in the holiday season of 2021; it’s hard to imagine now, but who knows? Meanwhile, we can resolve to do something together. We can seize this unwanted opportunity to reimagine everything — to tell a new story about what the season of togetherness means for our country, our homes, and our relationships. In a time that requires distance, we can find new modes of closeness. In a year of austerity, we can rethink the purpose of wealth. And in a period of great uncertainty, we can decide what’s most meaningful about shared rituals.”

Begley discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the way we celebrate Christmas. We cannot have big family gatherings, travel, or attend big religious services as we used to, as guidelines discourage us from doing so. In addition, the declining economy is leaving more families with fewer resources to celebrate Christmas. This Christmas, it may be hard to be happy and celebrate for some, but Begley encourages us to use this time for introspection and to hope for better. 

“In the end, although every family has flaws, and always seems to have a political divide in it, the family is the most special part of Christmas, just like it is for Thanksgiving. Family is one of, if not the most important things in life, and it is very important to stay close to one’s family and all of its members, and that is what Christmas is, and always will be to me.”

In his essay, Johnson gives a brief overview of Christmas and discusses his attitude toward the celebrations in his household. He remembers how as an introvert, he had to interact with many people and how he needed to give up his room for guests to sleep in. However, Johnson greatly appreciates Christmas for being able to unite and bring together a family of very diverse views and perspectives. 

4.   A personal reflection on Christmas by Jo Betz

“My daughter and I purchase a Christmas decoration each year for my husband to put on the tree. It’s something that brings us joy as we select the decoration we think he’d love. But there are other ways you can honour your loved one too – light a candle, write them a letter, purchase them a present, share stories about them on Christmas day. Find a way to honour the person you are missing so much.”

Betz reflects on how the death of a loved one, in this case, her husband, can make it difficult to enjoy Christmas. However, being with her daughter allows her to appreciate the holidays through all the pain. She gives people in a similar situation tip on how to cope, including not keeping such a big “to-do” list, honoring your loved one, and allowing yourself to grieve. You might also be interested in these essays about autumn .

5. ​​ Christmas traditions around the world by Becky Such

“Christmas trees were decorated with candles and topped with an angel or star, to remind children of the angel that brought ‘news of great joy’ to the shepherds in the fields, or the star that guided the ‘Three Kings’ to Bethlehem. In modern times, we’ve kept the star or angel topper, but dropped the candles. Covering a dry tree in lit candles was, of course, a massive fire hazard. Pretty silly of those Victorians if you ask me.   Today, Christmas trees are decorated with tinsel, fairy-lights and small, hanging ornaments – the joy and brightness of the Christmas tree is still a great reminder of Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’.” 

In her essay, Such describes some Christmas traditions from different countries, including different pastries and sweets, fireworks, lanterns, and the iconic Christmas tree. Then, she explains the differences in Christmas celebrations worldwide and how these traditions have evolved. 

Essays About Christmas: What is Christmas to you?

Christmas has a different significance for each person. First, reflect on the meaning of Christmas; think of what your family and friends have told you, what you learned in school, and your thoughts. Next, discuss any religious, cultural, or family traditions that have influenced how you view Christmas. Finally, open up to your readers about the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps Christmas means spending time with family and friends or giving back to the community. Whatever your viewpoint, share it in this essay.

For your essay, research how Christmas originated and how the festival has changed over the decades. Explain how it came about and the differences between Christmas celebrations over time. As with all historical essays, cite credible, well-researched sources for an accurate essay. 

Essays About Christmas: A Christmas tradition

Think about a tradition you have practiced for many Christmases with family, friends, or the greater community. What does it entail? Explain your chosen tradition in detail and reflect on its significance. 

Christmas is celebrated differently from country to country, with climate, religion, culture, and demographics affecting its importance in each. Based on personal experience and research, write your essay about how Christmas is celebrated in your country. Explain the traditions, the food eaten, and the history behind the Christmas celebration.

Early Christians originally conceived Christmas as a festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but it has become more secular over the years. A large number of non-Christians celebrate it. Based on research, write about how non-Christians celebrate Christmas and why they do so. If you have personal experience with this, incorporate what you know into your essay.

Whenever the word “holiday” is mentioned, Christmas automatically comes to mind for most. In your essay, look into what makes Christmas so popular: Why do people treasure it so much, and why do more people celebrate it than other holidays? Be sure to use credible sources as the basis for your essay.

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

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Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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  • How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A narrative essay tells a story. In most cases, this is a story about a personal experience you had. This type of essay , along with the descriptive essay , allows you to get personal and creative, unlike most academic writing .

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Table of contents

What is a narrative essay for, choosing a topic, interactive example of a narrative essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about narrative essays.

When assigned a narrative essay, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my teacher want to hear this story? Topics for narrative essays can range from the important to the trivial. Usually the point is not so much the story itself, but the way you tell it.

A narrative essay is a way of testing your ability to tell a story in a clear and interesting way. You’re expected to think about where your story begins and ends, and how to convey it with eye-catching language and a satisfying pace.

These skills are quite different from those needed for formal academic writing. For instance, in a narrative essay the use of the first person (“I”) is encouraged, as is the use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense.

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Narrative essay assignments vary widely in the amount of direction you’re given about your topic. You may be assigned quite a specific topic or choice of topics to work with.

  • Write a story about your first day of school.
  • Write a story about your favorite holiday destination.

You may also be given prompts that leave you a much wider choice of topic.

  • Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
  • Write about an achievement you are proud of. What did you accomplish, and how?

In these cases, you might have to think harder to decide what story you want to tell. The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to talk about a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

For example, a trip where everything went according to plan makes for a less interesting story than one where something unexpected happened that you then had to respond to. Choose an experience that might surprise the reader or teach them something.

Narrative essays in college applications

When applying for college , you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities.

For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay.

In this context, choose a story that is not only interesting but also expresses the qualities the prompt is looking for—here, resilience and the ability to learn from failure—and frame the story in a way that emphasizes these qualities.

An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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'The best holiday I ever had'

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‘The best holiday I ever had’

    The best holiday I ever had was when I went to Florida with my family.

When my Dad told me I was very excited because it was going to be my first time in the ‘sun shine state of America’. I asked my dad when where we going and he said ‘we are going on the 26 TH   July and coming home on the9th August’ but the bad thing was I had to wait two months to go.

    Time flew by and the next thing I knew I was packing my suitcase, I packed in lots of t-shirts and shorts. My mum packed in lots of bottles of sun cream because she is the one who goes on and on saying ‘be careful in the sun’.

    After all the bags were packed into the boot we all were on our way to fourteen days of sunshine.

When we got to the airport we left our luggage with the airport staff to put it on to the plane.

A message came up on the T.V screen saying that our flight had been delayed for 8 hours. After we knew about the delay we had spare time to fill our tummies because they were rumbling.

    After 7 hours a message said ‘could passengers going to Orlando Florida make their way to gate 17’ everyone cheered and we all made our way to the plane.

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It took 10 hours to get to Orlando but it was well worth it.

When we arrived it was 4.00am in the morning and the hard part was to find our hotel, and on our way we got lost in a place called ‘Boggy Creek’ and my family blamed it on my Dad because he was driving.  Eventually we reached our hotel, with a bit of a struggle, at 5.30am.  When we got to our room we put our bags to one side of the room and flopped our tired bodies on the beds.

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    The first day in Florida was fantastic.  We all went to Wet & Wild.  

This was a water part in Orlando, near to International Drive and we spent most of the day there.  The weather was great, blue skies and sunshine all day and the only sad part was that we had to leave, as we were enjoying ourselves so much.  

    We went to bed pretty early that night because we had to get up early the next day as we were going to Orlando shopping at the famous ‘Beltz’ shopping complex which is full of discount designer stores like Adidas, Nike, Levis etc.   and we also went to Universal Studios.

    Universal Studios were amazing, 3D movies, special stunt shows and exciting rides filled our day.  After the Studios we headed off to the Beltz Shopping complex.  When we arrived it was massive.  People rushing everywhere, the air-conditioning helped, but when you went from one mall to the other, the heat outside was very hot.

    My Mum and Dad had to tell me to stop buying so much because we had another 10 days left and my money was ‘burning a hole in my pocket’!  Already my arms were full of bags with clothes, shoes etc, so I had to stop.

    The next day we lazed around the pool, trying to get a tan, but Mum being Mum splashed loads of cream on my back, it was freezing!

The next day we visited Disney World.  It was wonderful, more than you could imagine, all the famous stars were walking around the park, such as Donald Duck, Goofy and the best…Mickey Mouse.  We spent the whole day there, it was a whole day trip because at 9.00pm there is a magnificent electronic nighttime parade, which was so picturesque and amazing.  There was also a nighttime fireworks extravaganza to celebrate the millennium, it was awesome.

When we returned to the hotel, I was so exhausted I went straight to sleep with my clothes still on.

    The next day was frantic because we were leaving our hotel in Kissimmee and travelling down to Clearwater Beach, further down the coast.  We had some trouble packing our suitcases into the car, because of all the things we had bought but eventually Dad found a way and we were on the road.

    When we arrived at Clearwater the weather was brilliant, I ran up the stairs and stripped and put on my swintrunks and jumped into the pool, which was warm.

    My family were going to have a relaxing holiday in Clearwater because our first week in Kissimmee had been at a frantic pace and pretty non-stop.

   The next day we went to the beach, which was only about two minutes walk away.  The sand was really hot and we had to scamper across the sand as quickly as possible, so as not to burn our feet.  We stayed there for a few hours and then returned to the hotel pool to laze about.

    The next day my Mum and Dad’s friends met up with us.  They had travelled down from South Carolina which was about a 7 hour drive, and they were staying in Clearwater for a couple of days to see us, before continuing their journey on to Miami.  We all went to Busch Gardens one day.  We left the hotel at about 7.30 am and went to McDonald’s for our breakfast.  When we arrived at the Theme Park there was a thunderstorm and most of the rides were closed, except for the water rides but we still enjoyed ourselves.  When we got back to the hotel my brother and I went to the pool again to amuse ourselves.  We didn’t get to bed that night until about 2.30am because my Mum and Dad’s friends didn’t leave until really late.

The next day the weather was glorious and my Dad had a special surprise for us.  He hired Jet Ski’s for the day and it was excellent.  The water was really warm, clear and the sun glistened all day.  That was the best day of my holiday but I got badly sunburned.

    The next day was our last.  One last swim in the pool and this left my Mum and Dad some time to pack the bags, then we were back on the road again, this time our homeward journey to the airport.

    I fell asleep on the plane and only awoke when we had nearly arrived back in Belfast.  I stepped out of the plane and the breeze took my breath away, it was so cold!   I turned to my Mum and Dad and said, “That was the best holiday I ever had”.

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Jeff Taylor

This is a well-told story, with an appropriate, sometimes slightly informal, light tone. The language is mostly quite simple and sentence construction is sufficiently varied. Punctuation is quite frequently faulty and paragraph construction is loose, with too many short paragraphs. 4 stars

'The best holiday I ever had'

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  • Word Count 1123
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Holiday Stories from the Archive

holiday story essay

By Erin Overbey

People congregate inside a room with a Christmas tree as seen through a foggy window.

In 1975, The New Yorker published a short story, by Vladimir Nabokov, simply titled “ Christmas .” Although the story’s title may have been rather commonplace, its subject was anything but. Nabokov’s tale deals with the ways that memory, loss, and rebirth often encircle one another. While looking through his late son’s belongings on Christmas Eve, the story’s protagonist comes across a journal and makes a startling discovery. “The open notebook shone radiantly on the table; next to it the light went through the muslin of the butterfly net, and glistened on a corner of the open tin,” the novelist writes. “Sleptsov pressed his eyes shut, and had a fleeting sensation that earthly life lay before him, totally bared and comprehensible.” What begins as a story of mourning shifts as it unfolds—transforming, like a chrysalis, into a tale about the unforeseen marvels that can occur when family and hope convene after a long separation.

During this second pandemic year, many of us have experienced lengthy separations from our loved ones, while others have been fortunate enough to be able to come together more frequently. This week, in honor of the season (and even as we face new uncertainties), we’re bringing you a selection of pieces about Christmas and the holiday spirit. In “ The Burden of the Feast ,” Bobbie Ann Mason recalls the celebratory holiday meals that her mother would assemble at their family farm in Kentucky. In “ Christmas Is a Sad Season for the Poor ,” by John Cheever, an elevator operator enjoys seasonal generosity while also experiencing some unanticipated consequences. (“House after house put into the shine of the street lights a wall of black windows. Millions and millions were sleeping, and this general loss of consciousness generated an impression of abandonment, as if this were the fall of the city, the end of time.”) In “ Year’s End ,” by Jhumpa Lahiri, a college student faces challenges when he visits his family in New England over the holidays. In “ Christmas Story ,” Joseph Mitchell recalls a surprising encounter, when he was a younger reporter, with an unusual couple who had previously resided in a cave in Central Park. In “ A New Package of Energy ,” E. B. White reminisces about the small everyday miracles of the holiday season, which can materialize even during times of great instability. In “ A Visit from Saint Nicholas (in the Ernest Hemingway Manner) ,” James Thurber parodies the classic holiday verse by Clement Clarke Moore. (“The moon shone on the snow. The moon gave the lustre of mid-day to objects in the snow. There was a miniature sleigh in the snow, and eight tiny reindeer. A little man was driving them.”) Finally, in “ My Ex-Husband and the Fish Dinner ,” Joan Acocella playfully recounts the unconventional holiday repasts that her ex would painstakingly prepare. “My husband decided to Italianize our Christmas,” she writes. “The people in his grandparents’ generation had followed the old-country custom of eating their feast not on December 25th, but the night before. And it wasn’t turkey; it was a nine-course fish dinner.” After opening all of your gifts, we hope that you’ll spend some time with these classic pieces from our archive. From all of us here at The New Yorker : happy holidays.

—Erin Overbey, archive editor

A man carves a Turkey for dinner

“Christmas is a sad season. The phrase came to Charlie an instant after the alarm clock had waked him, and named for him an amorphous depression that had troubled him all the previous evening.”

Close-up of moth collection

“The night was smoke-blue and moonlit; thin clouds were scattered about the sky but did not touch the delicate, icy moon. The trees, masses of gray frost, cast dark shadows on the drifts, which scintillated here and there with metallic sparks.”

An illustration of an aproned figure and a table of whole-roasted fish with wine

“My in-laws, by way of assimilating, had switched over to turkey. This now seemed to my husband a hideous betrayal. We were going back to the old way, he declared.”

Stone bridge over a pond in front of brightly-lit buildings

A tale of faith in human dignity restored.

Illustration of a path through rolling fields with a small, bare tree in the center

“When I was growing up on our fifty-three-acre dairy farm, we were obsessed with food. Food was the center of our lives. Everything we did, every day, revolved around it. We planted it, grew it, harvested it, peeled it, cooked it, served it, consumed it.”

A photograph of a household's illuminated Christmas tree

“It was the night before Christmas. The house was very quiet. No creatures were stirring in the house. There weren’t even any mice stirring.”

A Christmas tree, and a kitchen in wintertime

“I knew then that it was true, that there was another person inside the house, a person who made it possible for my father, without hesitating, to say ‘we’ instead of ‘I.’ ”

City Christmas decorations in black and white

“To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult with every year.”

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holiday story essay

The 6 Best Scenarios For Your Holiday Story

Writers Write creates writing resources and shares writing tips. In this post, we share the six best scenarios for your holiday story. 

Ready For A Vacay?

Why do we love stories, novels, and movies with a holiday theme? One reason is because we all relate to the idea of a vacation. Another reason is that these stories bring together characters and, as writers, offer us great opportunity to bring in emotion, conflict , tension , and even humour .

Looking for a scenario for a holiday story? Here are six for you to consider.

holiday story essay

Wishing all of you great holidays — with lots of writing, reading, and relaxing.

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holiday story essay

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holiday story essay

4 of the Best Free Holiday Short Stories Online About Season’s Drama

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Nancy Snyder

I am a left coast native and writer; my working life began after studying at San Francisco State University; I have been an office worker and a labor organizer; longtime freelance writer covering books and labor and assorted cultural and political issues.

View All posts by Nancy Snyder

How did we ever function without the ubiquitous iPhone (or Android)? For bibliophiles everywhere, one of the the primary satisfactions with these devices is the ability to click on short stories . I most often do this new fiction search on my app for The New Yorker  while waiting for the bus.

While waiting for a very late bus to arrive last week,  I received an early holiday gift when I discovered a few online short stories that spoke directly to me: these December days are potentially deadly.

These four stories about the holiday experience do not drip of massive manufactured sentimentality that defines this time of year. Rather, these stories introduce us to characters who, despite their best efforts to prevent a holiday upset, the upset comes anyway.

holiday story essay

“North Of” by Marie-Helene Bertino

Let’s start with Thanksgiving. The Marie Bertino short story published in 2012 on the literary website Electric Literature . North Of is written for anyone who has ever wondered why they bother to make the trip home for Thanksgiving.

North Of  encapsulates every emotional disconnect possible associated with the November maelstrom known as Thanksgiving. There is the mother, who is flustered and tries and tries to have just one happy meal together, just one happy Thanksgiving for her two children is all that she wants.

But her two adult children never go along with her plan. They have their own sibling rivalry issues that they have agreed will never be resolved—especially this year when the sister arrives with her special Thanksgiving visitor.

The daughter returns home with Bob Dylan (yes, that Bob Dylan) who is self-absorbed and uninterested. The daughter thought her Thanksgiving visitor would impress her estranged brother, who really isn’t impressed. He revels in his unsuccessful life—no job, no girlfriend, no prospects—yet still remains the extraordinary and gifted son whom everyone needs to navigate around lest he become explosive.

The daughter—also the narrator—experiences being the family member who has left home and who became successful in the entertainment business, yet each time she returns home, her success is never recognized. It happens again this time, even with Bob Dylan as her Thanksgiving visitor.

There is a quiet humor in North Of  and any reader who leaves the house  before Thanksgiving dinner has concluded will recognize themselves. “I have been vaulted from the Thanksgiving table. What’s more American than that? How many people have left their steam filled homes to drive around and think about old things? I pass car after car.”

There is subtle humor amidst the chaos—especially when Bob Dylan gets mistaken for Vincent Price at the local grocery store—but the reader is left with the certainty that next year’s Thanksgiving for this family will not be much better.

“Un Poquito De Tu Amor” by Sandra Cisneros

How do we approach the holidays after the death of a loved one? Sandra Cisneros wrote about the passing of her father in a 1998 essay, “Un Poquito De Tu Amor.”

Cisneros’s beautiful essay is lyrical: The descriptions of the foods that dominated the Cisneros family Christmas feast, taken from the Polish, Spanish, Jamaican and Latinx cultures of Chicago has the reader begging to be invited to her next Christmas party. “History is present at our table. The doomed Emperor Maximilano’s French bread as well as the Aztec corn tamales of the Americas, our Andalusian recipe for codfish, our moves in and out of neighborhoods where we were the brown corridor between Chicago communities at war with one another.”

Cisneros’s essay is a powerful questioning of the American affluent classes; usually the response is to turn our heads not to disrupt our easy feelings. Cisneros repeatedly asks herself  the same question: how do we enjoy ourselves amid such tremendous want and suffering every minute of every day of our lives. “I thought of my father especially this holiday season. The day before Christmas, 1997, forty-five unarmed Mayas were slain while they prayed in a chapel in Acteal, Chiapas—twenty-one of them women, fourteen children…I know the deaths in Chiapas are linked to me here in the United States. I know the massacre is connected to removing native people from their land, because although the people are poor the land is very rich and the government knows this.”

Cisneros did provide one clue on how to best to answer these questions of political oppression: she told a story. One of the best stories that conveys the enormity of goodwill and the elusive Christmas spirit.

“Year’s End” by Jhumpa Lahiri

I suppose there never is a good time to introduce one’s new wife to their adult son. Christmas is probably the worst time; for Kaushik, a senior at Swarthmore College whose recently deceased mother is never far from his mind, the reality of his father’s much younger wife and her two young daughters leaves him increasingly cold.

His father’s remarriage leaves Kaushik even further isolated from his father than before. Kaushik is not angry at his father, just slightly surprised at his father’s move towards willingness to “move on with life” as Kaushik still grieves the loss of his mother.

In the house where Kaushik and his father and mother shared many Christmases, Kaushik remains isolated—frozen and cold as the Massachusetts weather at Christmas.

He realized when he first entered his home that every photo, everything that spoke of his mother’s presence in the house was removed. It was an affront to his mother’s memory, his mother’s intelligence and taste and her being—and it was orchestrated by his father for his new wife.

Jhumpa Lahiri writes of this nearly impossible situation—fraught with tension and bound to explode with some family upset—with an understated power and beauty. When the explosion does come, Kaushik realizes whatever trust he earned during his short visit with his new stepsisters is gone.  Two small children will forever view this Christmas with Kaushik as one of their very worst.

“Seasonal Work” by Laura Lippman

Laura Lippman, author of 20 detective novels, wrote a holiday short story for the literary online journal The Rumpus that left me stunned. “Seasonal Work ” is narrated by a wiser-than-her-years teenager. Somehow, she is still not sure how or why, she finds herself at the mercy of her grifter stepfather. Her had married and then gave birth to three young children, her step-siblings, before she died.

The grifter stepfather takes charge after the mother dies with an elaborate con job that happens every Christmas. The makeshift family moves to a new nondescript Texas town, the grifter stashes the children and their teenage half sister into a nondescript motel, then puts the plan into action.

The grifter’s plan usually involves a con job regarding stolen Christmas toys. The grifter/father will appear on local TV, crying in misery that his motherless children will not have toys for Christmas. The public response, guided by the goodness of the Christmas spirit, always  provides as they are gifted with toys and cash. One year a social worker gets involved and that’s when the grifter/father becomes slightly unglued.

I highly recommend these holiday short stories. The good news: there are many, many unconventional holiday stories to enlighten and entertain. And the other good news: the holidays come just once a year.

holiday story essay

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holiday story essay

2560+ Holiday Short Stories to read

Submitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest . Whether you’re looking for a wintery cup of cheer or a ray of sunshine during a summertime festival, our holiday short stories will have you feeling the spirit in no time.

🏆 Winning stories

“ forthright thursday ” by chris campbell.

🏆 Winner of Contest #227

8:45PM Thanksgiving Day – GLOVES OFF: My mother, Mary, and her sister Alice were engaged in a wrestling match on the dining room table. Aloysius – my father - and Alice’s plus one; Jack, attempted to pry them apart, but both women had locked themselves into each other’s hair with vice-like grips, despite both their hands being splattered with custard trifle remnants. All I could do as an observing teenager was sit with mouth agape while holding my new Super 8mm silent movie camera, recording the whole scene. It was typical behavio...

“ The Craving ” by A.Dot Ram

🏆 Winner of Contest #71

cw: miscarriage  This could not wait till morning. The craving came on so sudden and intense that resisting never even crossed her mind. For some reason Claudia needed fudge. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe it was the fact that she finally had an appetite. But she needed fudge. Not the kind she usually made this time of year, melting chocolate chips in the microwave. Claudia needed the heavy, silky fudge her grandma used to make—the kind you made in a saucepan with a candy thermometer. Did you need a doubl...

“ 10 Things To Do Instead of Writing New Year's Resolutions ” by Emily Sperber

🏆 Winner of Contest #25

1. Hang out with friends Your friends are the kind of people that make New Year’s resolutions. The five of you, too broke to go anywhere, sit around your studio apartment. One has her legs hanging off the arm of the one chair you have. One is sitting next to you on the futon. The others are splayed, their bodies like starfish, on the ground. They use their fingers and each other to remember the resolutions they think of on the spot. Maybe they could actually eat breakfast instead of skipping it or...

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“ report on the activities of the chapman family, december 2023 ” by laura jarosz.

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #231

Sir,The following is my report on the Chapman family for week ending 12/2:JOSH: Kept his cool on a work call when a coworker tried to goad him into a political argument. Nice.MADDIE: You know that ‘One Margarita’ song from TikTok, boss? In an attempt to be ‘the cool mom’, she sang it in front of Mackenzie’s friends. …There was a dance, too. From what I hear, their parents are no longer letting them come over. Naughty.MACKENZIE: Broke up a fight betwe...

“ Mrs. Jackson's Pumpkin Pie ” by Hannah Lynn

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #227

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” she pulled his arm, dragging him along. Yanking his arm away from his sister’s grip, he scowled. “Don’t touch me.” “Whatever.” She rolled her eyes, her typical reaction. Luke hated it when people touched him, especially his arms or wrists, always commenting on how skinny he was. “You’re all skin and bones,” they said, making him feel less ...

“ Mac and Cheese and Muffin Mix ” by Hannah Lynn

The line was already forming as Margaret pulled into the parking lot of the small, unmarked building tucked into the residential neighborhood. The usual characters were front and center waiting at the locked door.  “Good morning,” she called out, juggling several brown paper bags, careful to keep her keys on hand to unlock the pantry. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!” She was met with smiles...

holiday story essay

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“ a red dress and an easter egg hunt ” by joyce schook.

Submitted to Contest #245

You never know that one moment will alter your perspective on the life you had before. Once it happens, your in a state of limbo. Unable to move forward and not ready to revisit the past. A past that was merely an illusion in which you were nothing more than a naïve participant.On the Thursday before Easter, Emily had the entire house to herself. This was the weekend her family gathered together for a family reunion and holiday that she hosted each spring. It had turned into a tradition that she always looks forward to. Today Emily woke at s...

“ A Hot Day ” by Leslie Kirc

Submitted to Contest #243

Waves of long green leaves tumbled down to the arbor path on both sides; leaving only enough room to walk single file. The blue flowers sticking up among them were the size of two fists put together waving on long stems. They gave the feel of a watery existence. The arbor was lushly covered with wisteria giving the day a cool feel. The pronounced smell of roses in my mind was turned into the smell of brine. It was joyful to walk down this path parting the waters like Mosses. The illusion and contrast momentarily took my mind off the extreme ...

“ choosing sides. ” by Lara Deppe

Submitted to Contest #242

“That’s what you are bringing?” I was staring dumbfounded at my severely misguided, newlywedded husband who was standing in our kitchen showing me what he had decided to cook for Thursday’s festivities. “To my best friend’s first attempt at Friendsgiving? The meal she has been texting me about for weeks?” I looked at his phone one more time and shook my head. “The one event she insists is going to be “by-the-book” traditional? And by the book, I mean her mom’s cover-falling-off copy of the Joy of Cooking, that she left her in her will, trad...

“ Bagong Taon (New Year) ” by Zephýr B

Submitted to Contest #241

December 27th, 1:09 PMWind PaperThe spirit of the windguides a piece ofpaper softly to awindow sill,where I am sitting.I feel the smoothlines in the paper,as though it hadbeen crumpledup several times,and then finallyreopened.On the paper wasa story, not with words,or sound, or atelevision screen,but a story of pictures.The first picture is of araven, soaringthrough the sky.It has a slick, blackbeak, and featheredwings. It lands on apapaya tree andsteals one of theseeds. The seedsare black andslippery, likea snake eye.In its beak,it takes it...

“ The Strongest Force ” by Jennifer Luckett

The Strongest Force     Shivering against an icy breeze stippling her skin with goosebumps, Joanna Wilson rewrapped her slender neck in her favorite red knit scarf. She usually avoided walks in temperatures below 30 degrees, but she needed a respite from home. The frigid air allowed her to breathe again, dialing down the boiling below the surface of her consciousness to restore peace within her. Remaining in the presence of Pauline, demanding she shop for additional items for dinner and giving unsolicited advice abou...

“ In the Wind ” by David Townsend

       IN THE WIND The warm northerly breeze drifts across my skin rippling the hair of my body. I wriggle my toes in the dry soft sand and feel alive—a man on a lonely beech in comfortable sunlight. I lift my arms and twitch my shoulders in the magic air. The beech is lonely but I am not. My twin sons play wrestle in the sand, exploring the texture of the sand as much as the strength of their arms. They have exhausted themselves rolling down a sand dune and consume their remaining time at my feet. They ar...

“ A Row of Lights ” by Randal Mars

Submitted to Contest #240

"Don't step on the marigolds!" Sondra's warning was to Fina. The little girl was straddling the bright path of petals that led from the altar to the screen door. The colorful offerings of cakes, toys, and flowers had filled the ofrenda's shelves, and the votive candles were ready to be lit. Fina's older sister, Ari, pulled her away from trouble. In the dining room, their father Eddie was staring at the perfect vela. The b...

“ Just Big Brother Stuff ” by K.A. Murray-Todd

Submitted to Contest #239

Every year on Christmas Eve, I book a room in a hotel ten minutes from my parents’ house in suburban Maryland. It’s been my routine for a while now, which is why it was unusual that I forgot this year.Delilah and I were twenty minutes into our drive down I-95 when I realized it, so it became her job to frantically look online to see if any hotels had availability for that night.“I don’t get it,” she said as she scrolled and clicked. She was annoyed, I could tell; Delilah didn’t like doing anything at the last minute. “Is it so bad with your ...

“ Trace of Butterfly ” by Eon Wenzel

Submitted to Contest #238

“This is Mabel Lee.” After twelve beeps, what I heard was a voice as clear as the wind on the beach. Before I knew it, I exhaled a sigh of relief. I was holding a piece of paper with an unrecognizable number on it. It took me several days from when I first received the note to finally muster the courage to call the number. I was hesitant. I was scared.The voice remained unchanged, and I marveled. Then I tried to count exactly how many years have passed since I saw your face or heard your voice. You asked me how I was doing in the same voice...

“ Talking in Code ” by Autumn Kotsiuba

I WANT YOU I NEED YOU I HAVE YOU I NECK YOU I FEED YOU I EDIT YOU I FORM YOU I HELP YOU I KICK YOU I GOAD YOU I FUCK YOU I HEAR YOU I MOCK YOU I RIDE YOU I OOZE YOU I RING YOU I TAME YOU I URGE YOU I PICK YOU I YANK YOU I SHED YOU. How am I meant to know which you 143 mean, leaving this pale green heart on my desk? Funny that all the words I can think of are present tense, other than I USED YOU, and even that is something that would bleed into the future present. There’s no future in 143, there’s no room for WILL.  I put the chalky cand...

“ When Love Becomes Apparent ” by Jacob Cazier

“Are you ready for this?” I looked over, putting the car into park. Lily gave a half nod as she held her purse on her lap like a shield. She smoothed out her coat and checked her makeup in the dim light as she pulled down the mirror. “Relax, it'll be fine, my older brother is bringing his new girlfriend to Valentine's dinner. So at least we will all be uncomfortable” I chuckled trying to lighten the mood and was rewarded with a pointed stare. I subtly checked my pocket for the ring and smiled knowing tonight was going to be a good night.&nbs...

“ Goodbye Kiss ” by Grace Ann Brown

"Well. Here we are." I look around the hotel room. It's bigger than where we stayed during our honeymoon, five years before. The expansive windows display a glassy, picture-perfect sea. Dots of surfers, their boards coral-pink or sunshine-yellow, dart across the waves. Their happiness mocks me. "I'm going to shower," I mutter, unable to untangle myself from the dark cloud hanging over my head. Jack nods b...

“ A Starry Night Christmas ” by Ray Britton

TW: mentions of attempted suicide and the death of a family member are mentioned. The winter evening was cloaked in a serene chill, with delicate snowflakes gently descending onto the frost-kissed pavement. The festive glow of Christmas lights wove through the streets, casting a whimsical shimmer on the snow, creating a picture-perfect scene reminiscent of a holiday postcard. Couples, wrapped in scarves and mitte...

“ A BLIND DATE in APPALACHIA ” by Kristin Fellows

A BLIND DATE in APPALACHIA By Kristin Fellows  I arrived in Asheville, a small town in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a divorced mom with two kids – one in high school and one in college. It took me awhile to realize that my prospects fo...

“ That One Thing ” by Katharine Johns

Daytime commenced on the faraway planet of Thars 74T. On this particular day, a Tharsian named Rugvart was set to be coupled with another. They were in the company of a Tharsian civil official and some family, but all that was missing was the one with whom they would couple. The other Tharsian needed that day was Bolorov, who was instead jetting fretfully towards planet Earth.  Bolorov always had a renega...

The Best Holiday Short Stories

From midwinter festivals to summer picnics, there’s no shortage of ways people have found to celebrate, well, just about everything! All year, there are celebrations of love, joy, remembrance, forgiveness, thanksgiving, independence… There are holidays to mark solemn moments we shouldn’t ever forget, and holidays to remind us of the simple pleasures in life we shouldn’t take for granted.

In all this rich cultural diversity, it’s no wonder that holiday short stories are equally varied! From spooky to spiritual and beyond, the holiday short stories in our collection cover all seasons are told in all styles.

Looking for holiday short stories for every day of the year?

Each week, writers submit hundreds of short stories to Reedsy’s weekly writing contest — each of them based on a unique writing prompt. They can be about anything, and in any genre. This page is home to all the holiday stories that have been submitted to the contest, with prize-winning and shortlisted entries right at the top.

If you read anything you like, make sure you ‘follow’ the writer and you’ll be the first to know whenever they publish anything new. And if you think you’d like to give the contest a try, make sure you sign up for our writing prompts newsletter. You'll be in the running for a $250 cash prize plus a shot at publication in Prompted , our new literary magazine!

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Study Paragraphs

My Best Holiday Essay 200 Words

I want to take you on a fantastic journey through my best holiday ever. It was like a dream come true, filled with exciting adventures and unforgettable moments. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s dive into the story of my best holiday!

Table of Contents

My Best Holiday: A Journey of Adventure and Fun

My best holiday took place in a tropical paradise, an island called “Sunshine Cove.” It’s like a place you see in travel magazines, with palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and golden sandy beaches. The moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a magical time.

Fun in the Sun – Beach Days

One of the best parts of my holiday was spending endless days at the beach. It’s like having a never-ending playground of sand and waves. I built sandcastles, collected seashells, and even learned to snorkel to see colorful fish swimming beneath the waves.

Exploring the Island – Adventures Await

Sunshine Cove was not just about the beach; it had lush forests and hidden trails too. It’s like stepping into an adventure movie. My family and I went on hikes, discovered secret waterfalls, and explored caves that were like nature’s mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

The Delicious Discoveries – Food Adventures

Food was a big part of my holiday. It’s like a culinary journey around the world. I tried exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. I even had my first taste of coconut ice cream, which was like a scoop of heaven in a cone.

Meeting New Friends – Global Connections

One of the coolest things about my best holiday was making friends from different parts of the world. It’s like a global friendship festival. We played beach volleyball, shared stories, and even learned some words in their languages. It felt like a big international family.

Wildlife Encounters – Nature’s Surprises

Sunshine Cove was home to incredible wildlife. It’s like living in a National Geographic documentary. I saw dolphins leaping in the ocean, colorful birds in the trees, and even baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. Nature’s surprises were around every corner.

Starry Nights – Magical Moments

The nights at Sunshine Cove were like a dreamy wonderland. It’s like stargazing in the middle of nowhere. I saw shooting stars, made wishes, and had bonfires on the beach with marshmallows that were like little clouds of sweetness.

Learning and Growing – Life Lessons

My best holiday wasn’t just about fun; it was also about learning and growing. It’s like a classroom without walls. I learned about different cultures, the importance of protecting our environment, and how to appreciate the simple joys of life.

The Return Home – Bittersweet Goodbyes

As my holiday came to an end, it was like finishing a favorite book. Saying goodbye to Sunshine Cove and my new friends was bittersweet. But I knew that the memories and experiences would stay with me forever.

Gratitude and Future Adventures

My best holiday taught me the importance of gratitude. It’s like a treasure chest of memories and life lessons. I’m grateful for the adventures, the friends, and the time spent with my family. And I can’t wait for future holidays filled with new discoveries and exciting journeys.

Conclusion: A Holiday to Remember

My best holiday was like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It showed me the beauty of the world, the joy of making new friends, and the importance of cherishing every moment. I’ll carry the memories of Sunshine Cove in my heart forever, and I’m excited to see where my next holiday adventure will take me.

Author’s Note:

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my best holiday ever! It’s like a postcard from a place filled with sunshine and happiness. If you want to share your own holiday stories or chat about anything else, just let me know!

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Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Essay on Holiday

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Essay on Holiday for Students

‘Holiday’ is such a fascinating word that catches the fancy of each one, be it she or he, everybody finds it bliss to go for a holiday. We may be from any walk of life but we quite relate to this term ‘holiday’ equally. Professional people love holidays and children pray for the same. When it comes to holidays every grown-up and the working person acts like a child, desperate to relish the days of holidays. With the odds, if the holiday is cancelled, they will be sad and grumble as a child.  

Holidays are rightly known as pressure busters for the people. The normal routine of life requires a few days to relax. The holidays are always welcomed and awaited by all. Holidays give us immense peace and we cherish the memories of these well-spent days for the rest of our lives. Holidays help us in the following ways:

Mental Peace:  

We can derive mental harmony and mental calmness by staying at home and also by spending the holiday time with friends and family. 

Social Activities:  

The students in their holidays can also include the social activities that they do with their loved ones. 

Family Trip:  

We enjoy a family trip or a family excursion during these holidays.  

It is to be understood that gaining money is significant for livelihood, but relaxing the mind to make it function better is also as important. Hence, for the smooth working of life, a break is certainly required. 

Essay 1: Essay about Holiday with My Family

This time, in the winters, our small family planned for a holiday in the hills of Darjeeling. This was a much-needed break for the members of this family to remain quite busy in their daily scheduled life. They remain occupied in the strictly disciplined life of either work or study. My little sister and I study in grades 8 and 4, respectively, my father is a deputy manager in his reputed company, and my mother is a working lady and also a housewife. So, you can guess how our life will be in the strict realms of schedule. Thus, this time, my father and I decided on a short trip to the hills. 

We started our journey on the 1st of December, 2019. On the way, we played a variety of games. The view over the hills was quite pleasant to watch. When we were on the top of the summits, we looked down at our town, which seemed like a toy town; how small that was from the top! 

We clicked pretty snaps of the places, clicked pictures of us, of the local residents there, after which we went to a famous restaurant to eat our afternoon meal. We had the most delightful dumplings and noodles, which were cooked and served to us when still on steam. 

As dusk dawned on us, the jungles over the hills seemed to tell us another story of spirits and supernaturals. My sister and I were quite fantasized about this view. We preferred to keep our eyes shut till we reached our destination. It was half-past 8 when we reached the hotel where we would spend the night. The hotel staff was kind people who welcomed us with great warmth. We freshened up and went downstairs to watch their cultural program. The tribes danced to the music of one of their traditional songs, which was quite amazing for us to watch. After this, dinner was served. The dinner was quite rich and they served us in a sophisticated manner. After the tiring day, we decided to call it off and went to sleep.

The next day, we went hiking in the mountains. When we reached the peak of the mountains, it was a very delightful view. We decided to camp for the rest of the day there in the hills. The scenario and being on the lap of nature were quite peaceful and serene.   

After the trip, we came down to our town and normalized our lives. 

This trip had ushered a sense of great peace and calmness in my mind, which was to be instilled. The memories of the trip were to remain fresh in my mind like the fresh droplets on the leaves. 

Essay 2: Essay on Holiday 

Holidays have joyous feelings related to them. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love this holiday because it comes in December, which is also my birth month. There are a lot of exciting things we do during Christmas. We start making preparations for Christmas early before the month starts. 

This year, my friends and I made snowmen with snow outside our houses. My dad put up all the lights in the interior and exterior of the house. It was looking really bright and pretty. My mom made a lot of food, cakes, and snacks, and ate with our family. My cousins from the US came over to spend time with us. 

Our whole group of family and friends ate and talked and laughed with each other, sitting cozily near the fireplace, with the Christmas tree towering over us. I had a lot of fun. It is one of my best experiences and I hope to feel it again. 

Essay on Importance of Holidays for Students 

Holidays are very important for students. The importance of the same can be listed as follows:

Students can join courses, like in extra activities like arts, crafts, pottery, candle making, and more. 

Students get to visit new places in the holidays. 

They can go out with their families and friends and can make abundant memories, which will leave an imprint on their life. 

Holidays give them time to relax with their close ones.

Students also get a lot of time to complete their homework and revise their syllabus.

How to Spend School Holidays Essay 

To spend the school holidays, students must include this list:

Educating self

De-stressing and relaxing 

Improving physical health 

Getting a new hobby

Visiting interesting and fun workshops

Learning skills, like martial arts

Being a part of a book club or a public library

My Best Holiday Experience Essay 

In writing about the ‘Best Holiday Experience’ Essay, I would say the best holiday I spent was on the sea beach; the sunny weather on the beach of goa was no less than a divine holiday. The best experience of this holiday came from sharing nature’s beauty and also staying at the best resort in Goa. 

The holiday is a day off or a few days off from the monotonous routine of the everyday schedule. Holidays are equally loved by students as well as by the working people. Holidays prove to be beneficial to us in many ways when they are spent with memories and good activities.

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FAQs on Essay on Holiday

1. How important are Holidays for Working People?

 Vacation or holidays improves the blood pressure levels and also the mental health of the working people. Vacationing ensures that these people have a healthy body and also a happy heart. The working people crave to spend their days with their family and loved ones; what better can it be than going on vacations with them. Honestly, holidays keep working people from becoming monotonous robots who only work to get paid. The holidays help them feel recharged and relaxed, after which they are more receptive and active towards work.

2. What kind of Social Activities are to be done on a Holiday?

Social activities such as getting a new hobby, starting to read a new book, organizing a get-together party, playing games, talking about an interesting and informative topic, visiting a peaceful place, paying a visit to the parents or grandparents can make wonderful holidays.  

3. How would you Define a Holiday?

A holiday is such a day that is given a day off by a custom or by law on which all the normal activities, especially the business or work including the school cease to operate. Holidays are stress-busters, which act the same for all the people. 

Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Billie Holiday — Success During the Great Depression: Billie Holiday Story

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Published: May 7, 2019

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Essay on Favourite Holiday Destination

Students are often asked to write an essay on Favourite Holiday Destination in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Favourite Holiday Destination

My best holiday spot.

Everyone has a place they love to visit. For me, it’s the beach. The beach is my favorite holiday destination because it is full of fun and relaxation.

Why the Beach?

The beach makes me happy. I can play in the sand, swim in the sea, and build sandcastles. The sound of waves is calming, and the sunsets are beautiful.

There’s so much to do! Besides swimming, I can collect shells, play volleyball, or have a picnic. Sometimes, there are boats to ride too.

Family Time

Going to the beach means spending time with my family. We laugh, play games, and enjoy the outdoors together. It’s always a trip to remember.

250 Words Essay on Favourite Holiday Destination

My favourite holiday spot.

Everyone loves to take a break and enjoy some time off. My favourite place to visit for a holiday is the beach town of Goa. It’s a beautiful area with sandy shores and blue seas, perfect for both fun and relaxation.

Sun, Sand, and Sea

Goa is famous for its stunning beaches. The soft sand feels nice under your feet, and the sea is great for swimming. I love building sandcastles and looking for pretty shells. The sunsets there are amazing too, with the sky turning all shades of orange and pink.

Fun Activities

There’s no chance of getting bored in Goa. You can try water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. If you like adventure, these activities are thrilling. For those who prefer calm, a boat trip to see dolphins might be perfect. I always make sure to do something exciting when I visit.

Delicious Food

Goa is also known for tasty food. There are many small restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood. I especially enjoy the fish curry. It’s spicy and full of flavor, a must-try for anyone visiting.

Warm People

The people in Goa are friendly and welcoming. They always greet you with a smile and are happy to help with anything you need. This makes the holiday even more pleasant.

In conclusion, Goa is my top choice for a holiday destination. It has everything you could want: beautiful beaches, fun activities, good food, and kind people. It’s a place where you can make happy memories that will last forever.

500 Words Essay on Favourite Holiday Destination

Introduction to my favourite holiday spot.

Everyone loves to take a break from their daily routine and go on a holiday. A favourite holiday destination is a place where you can relax, enjoy, and make memories that last a lifetime. My favourite place to visit is the beach town of Goa, in India. With its sunny skies, golden sands, and blue waters, Goa is a perfect spot for a fun and peaceful vacation.

The Beauty of Goa

Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches. The sea looks like a big, shiny blue sheet that stretches as far as your eyes can see. The sand is soft and warm, perfect for building sandcastles or just lying down to soak up the sun. In the mornings, the beaches are quiet, and you can see fishermen taking their boats out into the sea. The evenings are full of life with people playing games, eating snacks, and listening to music.

There’s never a dull moment in Goa. You can try exciting water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. If you love adventures, you can go on boat trips to see dolphins or even visit spice farms where you can learn about different spices and how they grow. For those who enjoy history, old churches and forts tell stories from hundreds of years ago. The most famous church is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is very old and holds the remains of a saint named Francis Xavier.

Food in Goa is a treat for the taste buds. The seafood is fresh and cooked with tasty spices that make you want to eat more and more. There are many small restaurants by the beach where you can eat while looking at the sea. They serve local dishes like fish curry and rice, which are both delicious and will make you feel happy.

Cultural Festivals

Goa is also known for its colorful festivals. The most famous one is the Carnival, where people wear bright costumes, dance to music, and have parades. There are also other festivals like the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and the Goa Food and Cultural Festival. These events show the rich culture of Goa and are a lot of fun to watch and be a part of.

In conclusion, Goa is a place that has something for everyone. Whether you like relaxing on the beach, trying new foods, learning about history, or joining in on fun festivals, you will find it all here. It’s a place that makes you feel welcome and leaves you with memories that you will cherish forever. This is why Goa is my favourite holiday destination, and I always look forward to going back.

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A Holiday Story 2 Pages 424 Words

             This is a story about what I thought was going to be a lonely and uneventful Christmas holiday time.              I was planning to have a very quiet holiday season because my wife and youngest son were going to be in South America for the Christmas season. My reason for not going with them was our dogs we had three cocker spaniels at the time.              Every thing went as I thought it should until the day before Christmas Eve. I received a phone call from my oldest son asking if he could move back home (age 26) if he would have asked sooner I could have gone with my wife.              Things managed to stay quiet (with three cockers) until Dec 30. That was the day I was working on a friend's computer and had to make a trip to my local staples store to get a keyboard adapter.              As I was walking into the store, I noticed a moving cardboard box sitting between the stores. Upon a closer look in the box, I discovered a black puppy with very big feet. I knew this little guy was going to be a very big dog when he grew up. Nevertheless, I thought to myself that if he were still there when I came out of the store that he would go home with me.              Now I have to tell you that my wife left very strict instructions about staples before she left because the last time she went out of town I came home with a new computer system from staples.              Even with this new puppy, things still stayed quiet because the cockers were bigger than he was.              Soon it was time to pick up the wife and son from the airport. It was the usual conversation during the drive home. The wife asked if there was a new computer and I said of course not. (I did not dare say anything about Bud)              We got to the front door and I asked my wife if she was ready for the mad rush of cockers. Of course, she was, so I opened the door and there was Bud right in the middle of the cockers.              Her response "Where did you get that thing?"              ...

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How did April Fools' Day start and what are some famous pranks?

By Aliza Chasan

April 1, 2024 / 6:00 AM EDT / CBS News

Historians aren't pulling your leg when they say no one is quite sure about the origins of April Fools' Day. 

April 1, the annual day of shenanigans, pranks, tricks and hoaxes, falls on Monday this year. While historians are unsure of the exact source of the tradition, they do know the custom goes back centuries, at least back to Renaissance Europe and possibly back to Roman times. Here's a look at what the experts say.

Theories, both real and false, tie April Fools' Day to Roman times 

Some believe April Fools' Day dates back to Hilaria festivals celebrated during classical Roman times. The festival was held on March 25 which, in Roman terms, was called the "eighth of the Calends of April," according to the Library of Congress. 

One theory tying the source of April Fools' Day to Roman times is a hoax. In 1983, an Associated Press reporter reached out to Joseph Boskin, a historian at Boston University, to discuss the origins of April Fools' Day. Boskin spun a tall tale to the reporter, assuming it would be fact-checked and revealed as fake. 

It wasn't. 

According to the story Boskin made up, a group of jesters convinced Emperor Constantine to make one of them king for a day. The appointed jester, named Kugel, declared it would be a day of levity. 

"I got an immediate phone call from an editor there, who was furious, saying that I had ruined the career of a young reporter," Boskin said in a Boston University post. "He said I told a lie. 'A lie?' I asked, 'I was telling an April Fools' Day story.'"

Middle Ages 

Some historians believe France is responsible for the humorous tradition, tying it to a calendar change in 1582, according to the History Channel . That year, France implemented the Gregorian calendar, shifting the start of the New Year from the spring equinox, which usually falls around April 1, to January 1. 

After the change, people who wrongly celebrated the new year in late March and early April were called "April fools."

The first clear reference to April Fools' Day is a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard De Dene, which tells the story of a servant being sent on "fool's errands" because it's April 1, according to the Library of Congress. 

What are some famous April Fools' Day pranks?

In 1957, the BBC ran a broadcast on the Italian spaghetti harvest  that pretended the pasta was being harvested from trees. 

The BBC also ran an April Fools' report on flying penguins in 2008.

In Los Angeles, airline passengers were greeted with a banner saying "Welcome to Chicago" after landing on April 1, 1992, CBS Sunday Morning previously reported.

Taco Bell in 1996 advertised that it had bought the Liberty Bell and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell," according to the company.

As part of a 1997 April Fools' Day joke, Alex Trebek, host of "Jeopardy," swapped places with "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak, according to jeopardy.com .

On April 1, 2015, streaming giant Netflix shared faux public service announcements to remind viewers to "Binge Responsibly."

  • April Fools' Day

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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