Lesson & Activities - Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
- Learn English with NETOL
- Jan 4
- 13 min read
Updated: Jan 12
✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ LISTENING - Celebrating New Year's & Making Resolutions
☞ POLL - Which New Year's Resolution Do You Like Best?
☞ QUIZ 1 - Test Your Knowledge
☞ DIALOGUE - Randall & Mila's Conversation About Resolutions
☞ LISTENING - Randall & Mila's Conversation About Resolutions
☞ QUIZ 2 - Test Your Knowledge
✦ Click on each section from above to see it ↑
✦ Click on each title box from below to get back here ↓
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. When is New Year celbrated?
New Year is celebrated on January 1st.
2. What traditions do you have on New Year’s Eve?
My family and I have a big family dinner, and then we watch the countdown on TV at midnight.
3. Is there a special type of food that you eat on New Year's Eve?
Yes, my family and I eat apple strudel, which my grandmother makes. My grandmother hides a coin in the apple strudel, and whoever finds the coin will have good luck for the rest of the new year.
4. If you could create a new tradition for the New Year, what would it be?
I would create a tradition where everyone writes a thank-you letter to someone who helped them last year.
5. Have you ever made a New Year's goal or resolution for yourself on New Year's?
Yes, I made a resolution for myself to exercise more last year because I wanted to be healthier and lose a bit of weight. My resolution worked because I lost weight, and I now work out regularly.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Learn the definitions of each word.
Important Words - Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
calendar
eve
celebrate
resolution
tradition
festival
universal
achieve
goal
specific
measurable
attainable
relevant
timely
Reading Activity
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
Instructions:
Read the following passage about the fall season.
Thereafter, listen to -Fall: The Season of Change
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
When is New Year’s Day Celebrated?
The New Year is celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a new calendar year. People all around the world look forward to this day because it signifies a fresh start and new beginnings. The New Year is celebrated to welcome the new year with joy and hope. It is a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming year. People celebrate to bring good luck and happiness into their lives.
The History of New Year’s
The history of the New Year holiday dates back to ancient times. The Babylonians were among the first to celebrate it over 4,000 years ago. They marked the new year with a festival called Akitu, which celebrated the rebirth of the world.
Over time, different cultures adopted their own traditions. Today, January 1st is recognized as the start of the year in most countries, thanks to the Gregorian calendar.
Who Celebrates New Year’s?
People from all over the world celebrate New Year’s. It is a universal holiday that brings together families and friends. Everyone, regardless of age or background, joins in the festivities to welcome the new year.
Many countries celebrate New Year, including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Brazil. Each country has its own unique traditions:
Canada: Watching fireworks, attending parties, and making resolutions.
Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Japan: Ringing bells 108 times to cleanse sins.
Brazil: Wearing white for peace and jumping over seven waves for good fortune.
Popular New Year’s Eve Activities
*Before reading about popular New Year's Eve activities, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Spend Time With Family
Many prefer a quiet evening with loved ones.
Example: “We stayed home and played games together.”
Attend Parties
Many celebrate at home or in clubs with music and dancing.
Example: “I joined a New Year’s Eve party with my friends.”
Eat Special Foods
Different cultures have lucky foods for the New Year.
Example: “In Spain, we ate 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.”
Go Out To Eat At A Restaurant
People enjoy making reservations and going out to eat with their family. Example: “We went out to a restaurant and ate the most delicious meal on New Year's Eve.”
Toast With Drinks
People raise glasses to celebrate the new year.
Example: “We toasted with sparkling juice at midnight.”
Send Messages
People send greetings to family and friends.
Example: “I sent Happy New Year messages to my relatives.”
Count Down To Midnight
Everyone counts down the last seconds of the year together.
Example: “We shouted ‘Happy New Year!’ at midnight.”
Make New Year’s Resolutions
People write goals for the new year.
Example: “I promised to exercise more and read one book every month.”
Reading & Writing Matching Activity
Guess The Popular New Year's Eve Activities That Each Narration Describes
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 8.
Read the 8 Popular New Year's Eve Activities.
Use the chart - Popular New Year's Eve Activities, and decide which activity each narration describes.
Practice your writing by writing the answers on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each narration.
Matching Activity
Guess The Popular New Year's Eve Activities That Each Narration Describes
Anita's New Year's Eve Activity: "I stayed up late with my family on New Year's Eve. We all looked at the clock and shouted together when it reached 12:00. It was so exciting!" Which New Year's Eve activity does Anita describe?
ANSWER Count down to midnight
James' New Year's Eve Activity: "I didn’t want to cook on New Year's Eve, so I went to a nice restaurant downtown. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was festive." Which New Year's Eve activity does James describe?
ANSWER: Go out to eat at a restaurant
Lisa's New Year's Eve Activity: "I spent New Year's Eve at home with my parents, siblings, and cousins. We talked, laughed, and enjoyed being together." Which New Year's Eve activity does Lisa describe?
ANSWER: Spend time with family
Ana's New Year's Eve Activity: "I picked up my phone and sent New Year's greetings to all of my family members and friends at midnight, on New Year's Eve." Which New Year's Eve activity does Ana describe?
ANSWER: Send messages
Josh's New Year's Eve Activity: "I wrote down my goals for the new year. I want to exercise more and improve my English language skills." Which New Year's Eve activity does Josh describe?
ANSWER: Make New Year's resolutions
Clark's New Year's Eve Activity: "We prepared and ate traditional dishes that we only eat once a year on New Year's Eve. It was delicious and special." Which New Year's Eve activity does Clark describe?
ANSWER: Eat special foods
Eric's New Year's Eve Activity: "I went to a big celebration with music and dancing on New Year's Eve. Everyone was dressed up so elegantly, and the dinner was delicious. It was such a fun and memorable night!" Which New Year's Eve activity does Eric describe?
ANSWER: Attend parties
Carmen's New Year's Eve Activity: "My family and I raised our glasses and wished each other a happy new year when the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve." Which New Year's Eve activity does Carmen describe?
ANSWER: Toast with drinks
What Are New Year’s Resolutions?
Every year, many people make New Year’s Resolutions. These are promises to themselves to improve their lives. People make resolutions because a new year feels like a fresh start. It is a chance to change habits and set new goals.
*Before reading about the top New Year's resolutions, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Top 12 New Year’s Resolutions
Exercise More
Lose Weight
Get Organized
Learn A New Skill Or Hobby
Live Life To The Fullest
Save Money
Quit Smoking
Spend More Time With Family & Friends
Travel More
Read More
Limit Screen Time Or Social Media Use
Drink more water
New Year's Resolution #1
Exercise More
Many people choose this goal to feel healthier and have more energy. Exercise can also reduce stress and help you sleep. Try small steps, like walking 20–30 minutes three times a week. This goal is popular because it is easy to start and you can see results fast.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to go to the gym three times a week.
New Year's Resolution #2
Lose Weight
People often want to lose weight to improve their health or feel better about themselves. This goal is common because food and activity affect daily life. A good plan mixes healthy eating with regular activity and small, realistic steps.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to lose 5 kilograms in 3 months.
New Year's Resolution #3
Get Organized
Being organized saves time and reduces worry. People want to find things quickly and feel less stressed. Start with one area, like a desk or a closet. Small changes make a big difference.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to organize my closet this month.
New Year's Resolution #4
Learn A New Skill Or Hobby
Learning something new is exciting. It can help with work, meet new people, or make life more fun. People choose this goal to grow and try new experiences. Daily practice, even 10–15 minutes, helps a lot.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to learn to play the guitar by practicing 30 minutes daily.
New Year's Resolution #5
Live Life To The Fullest
Living life to the fullest means trying new things and enjoying time with others. People pick this goal to feel happier and more connected. It can be simple: say yes to a new walk, or visit a local event once a month.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to try one new activity every month.
New Year's Resolution #6
Save Money
Saving money gives people security and less worry about the future. Many choose this goal after holiday spending. A simple budget and small monthly savings make this goal easy and useful.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to save $50 each month.
New Year's Resolution #7
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking improves health quickly and lowers long-term risks. This goal is hard but very rewarding. Support from friends, health services, or nicotine replacement can help. People choose this for better breathing and more money saved.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to reduce smoking by half in the first month.
New Year's Resolution #8
Spend More Time With Family & Friends
Strong relationships make life richer. People feel more supported and less lonely when they spend time with loved ones. This goal can be small: a weekly call, a shared meal, or a short visit.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to have dinner with my family every Sunday.
New Year's Resolution #9
Travel More
Travelling more helps people learn about new places and relax. Even short trips near home can feel like a break. People choose this goal to discover new cultures and make memories.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to plan a trip to a new city this summer.
New Year's Resolution #10
Read More
Reading improves language skills and concentration. Many people want to read for learning or for pleasure. Start with short articles or a book for 15–30 minutes each day.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to read one book every month.
New Year's Resolution #11
Limit Screen Time Or Social Media Use
Too much time on phones and apps can cause stress and sleep problems. Reducing screen time gives more time for hobbies, exercise, or talking with others. People pick this goal to feel calmer and more focused.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to limit my social media use to 30 minutes per day.
New Year's Resolution #12
Drink More Water
Drinking more water helps the body, skin, and energy levels. People often forget to drink enough during the day. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly. This small change can improve health quickly.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to drink 8 glasses of water every day.
Reading & Writing Activity
Fill In The Blanks - New Year's Resolutions
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 12.
Read the 12 sentences with blanks.
Use the chart - New Year's Resolutions, and decide which resolution belongs to each blank.
Practice your writing by writing the sentences and filling in the blanks on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each sentence.
Matching Activity
New Year's Resolutions
Sentence #1: Mike wants to improve his health, so he plans to __________ every day instead of drinking soda.
ANSWER: Drink More Water
Mike wants to improve his health, so he plans to drink more water every day instead of drinking soda.
Sentence #2: Nadia spends too much time on social media. Her goal is to __________ and use her phone less.
ANSWER: Limit Screen Time
Nadia spends too much time on social media. Her goal is to limit screen time and use her phone less.
Sentence #3: Anaya feels her home is messy. She wants to __________ by cleaning her kitchen.
ANSWER: Get Organized
Anaya feels her home is messy. She wants to get organized by cleaning her kitchen.
Sentence #4: David wants to buy a new car next year, so he plans to __________ and spend less on eating out.
ANSWER: Save Money
David wants to buy a new car next year, so he plans to save money and spend less on eating out.
Sentence #5: Emma loves stories. Her resolution is to __________ and finish one book every month.
ANSWER: Read More
Emma loves stories. Her resolution is to read more and finish one book every month.
Sentence #6: Orit wants to try something new. She plans to __________, such as learning how to crochet a scarf.
ANSWER: Learn A New Skill
Orit wants to try something new. She plans to learn a new skill, such as learning how to crochet a scarf.
Sentence #7: Gracy wants to feel healthier. Her goal is to __________ by eating better and exercising.
ANSWER: Lose Weight
Gracy wants to feel healthier. Her goal is to lose weight by eating better and exercising.
Sentence #8: Daniel loves adventure. He plans to __________ and visit two different countries this year.
ANSWER: Travel More
Daniel loves adventure. He plans to travel more and visit two different countries this year.
Sentence #9: Sophia wants to improve her health. She plans to __________ because smoking is bad for her lungs.
ANSWER: Quite Smoking
Sophia wants to improve her health. She plans to quit smoking because smoking is bad for her lungs.
Sentence #10: Sam wants to stay fit. His resolution is to __________ by going to the gym three times a week.
ANSWER: Exercise More
Sam wants to stay fit. His resolution is to exercise more by going to the gym three times a week.
To achieve New Year's resolutions, people often use SMART Goals. SMART Goals help people make clear and realistic plans. They are useful because they make goals easier to reach.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a method for setting clear and achievable objectives. Each letter in "S.M.A.R.T." stands for a different part of the goal-setting process. Here are some examples and explanations for each area:
Specific: Clear and detailed.
Measurable: Easy to track progress.
Attainable: Realistic and achievable.
Relevant: Important and meaningful.
Timely: Has a deadline.
Specific
A specific goal is clear and detailed.
It answers the questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Examples:
"I want to read one book about personal finance by the end of the month."
"I will walk for 30 minutes every day."
Measurable
A measurable goal has criteria for tracking progress.
It answers the question: How will I know when it is accomplished?
Examples:
"I will save $200 by the end of the month."
"I will lose 5 kilograms in 3 months."
Achievable
An achievable goal is realistic and attainable.
It answers the question: Is this goal possible for me to reach?
Examples:
"I will learn 10 new English words each week."
"I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week."
Relevant
A relevant goal matters to you and aligns with other goals.
It answers the question: Why is this goal important?
Examples:
"I will register for an educational course so I can apply for a better job."
"I will learn basic Spanish to communicate better during my trip to Spain."
Timely
A timely goal is also called a time-bound goal. A timely goal has a deadline.
It answers the question: When will I achieve this goal?
Examples:
"I will lose weight by June of this year."
"I will complete my online course by December 31st."
Using SMART Goals helps people succeed because they make plans clear and manageable.
Concluding Thoughts About New Year's
Making New Year’s Resolutions and using SMART Goals can help you improve your life. By setting clear and realistic goals, you can make positive changes and achieve what you want. Remember, a new year is a great time to start fresh and work towards your goals. Happy New Year!
Listening Activity
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
Take Our Poll - Which New Year's Resolution Do You Like The Most?
Which New Year's resolution do you like the most?
Exercise more
Lose weight
Get organized
Learn a new skill or hobby
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
Instructions:
Read the 10 true and false questions below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to check your results.
Randall & Mila's Conversation About New Year's Eve & Making Resolutions
Listening Activity
Dialogue - Randall & Mila's Conversation About New Year's Eve & Making Resolutions
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the dialogue audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the dialogue audio file.
Dialogue - Randall & Mila's Conversation About New Year's Eve & Making Resolutions
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Dialogue - Randall & Mila's Conversation About New Year's Eve & Making Resolutions
Instructions:
Read the 10 true and false questions below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to check your results.
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Written by: Nicole WT
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