English phrasal verbs for talking about Christmas
It’s that time of year when people all over the UK are preparing for Christmas. If you're learning English as a second language and you are looking to sprinkle your English conversations with a touch of festive flair, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we'll explore and unwrap several Christmas-related phrasal verbs for talking about the holiday season.
To Get Together
Christmas time is synonymous with spending quality time with loved ones. ‘To get together’ means to gather with friends and family to celebrate and share joy. Whether it's a Christmas party, dinner, or a gift exchange, this phrasal verb perfectly captures the essence of coming together in the spirit of the season.
Example: Every year, our family gets together for a festive feast on Christmas Eve.
To Meet Up
Similar to ‘to get together,’ ‘to meet up’ involves gathering with others, often for a specific purpose or event. This phrasal verb can be used when planning to meet friends or family during the Christmas holidays for a drink, a meal, or any festive activity.
Example: Let's meet up at the local coffee shop to catch up and exchange Christmas gifts.
To Stay Up
The excitement of Christmas can sometimes lead to staying awake later than usual. ‘To stay up’ means to remain awake beyond one's usual bedtime. Whether it's waiting for Santa Claus, watching Christmas movies, or engaging in festive activities, this phrasal verb captures the enthusiasm of abandoning your normal routine during the holiday season.
Example: On Christmas Eve, children often stay up late in anticipation of Santa's visit.
To Wrap Up
No Christmas is complete without beautifully wrapped presents. ‘To wrap up’ means to cover or encase something in paper or another material, especially when preparing gifts for others.
Example: I spent the afternoon wrapping up gifts for my family.
To Put Out
The tradition of placing gifts under the Christmas tree for loved ones is a heartwarming part of the holiday season. ‘To put out’ gifts means to arrange and display presents, often on Christmas Eve, for family and friends to discover on Christmas morning.
Example: Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, the children put out a snack for Santa.
To Put Up
Setting up Christmas decorations is a cherished tradition for many. "To put up" means to assemble or place something in a specific position, and during Christmas, it often refers to decorating a Christmas tree or putting up festive decorations.
Example: This weekend, we'll put up the Christmas tree and cover it in twinkling lights and ornaments.
Incorporating these Christmas-related phrasal verbs into your conversations will not only enhance your English language skills but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit.