While wandering around a Swedish Christmas market, you’ll likely come across booths 【小题1】 (sell) carved wooden horses, typically in an assortment of bright colors and floral patterns. These 【小题2】 (tradition) Swedish toys are much more than a classic holiday gift or travel souvenir: the Dala horse has become intertwined (交织) with the very image of Sweden 【小题3】 .

The little wooden horses of Sweden were originally carved by men that worked in the forests during 【小题4】 winter. When they returned to their villages, they gave the horses to children as playthings. This was in the 17^th century during 【小题5】 the horses were also sold at market in small towns and villages in the Dalarna region, in central Sweden. The horses were painted in bright colors that were inspired by the furniture in the region. 【小题6】 (eventual) , even young children learned to carve wooden horses.

The global attention didn’t come until the 20 ^th century in the World’s Fair in New York 1939. That was because an enormous painted Dala horse was placed outside the Swedish pavilion, which caused excitement throughout the crowds of 【小题7】 (visit) . After this, the Dala horses were seen 【小题8】 a symbol of Sweden and mass production of the horses started. Since then, Dala horses 【小题9】 (be) popular souvenirs and inspired other products as well. You can now find anything from clothing to tableware and phone cases with a Dala horse 【小题10】 (decorate) .

The Spring Festival, Chinese New Year, is one of 【小题1】most important festivals for all of us.【小题2】we celebrate is the end of winter, arrival of spring, and reunion with family and relatives. Usually the Spring Festival     【小题3】(celebrate) for fifteen days, during which people do not work except for the workers on duty.

On New Year’s Eve all family members get together 【小题4】(have) a big meal. After the meal they watch TV until the clock strikes twelve. Then every family sets off fireworks 【小题5】(excite) to welcome the new year. On the first day of the new year, almost everyone is dressed in his or her best clothes. Friends and relatives are busy【小题6】(visit) each other with presents. At that time, children are the happiest because【小题7】can get many red packets from their relatives.

With the 【小题8】(improve) of living standard, people 【小题9】(change) the ways of celebrating the Spring Festival greatly so far. No matter how it changes, the meaning of the Spring Festival is still 【小题10】great significance in China.

New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year. It is always an exciting time because people look forward to 【小题1】(welcome) a new year. It is also a good time to think back and say goodbye to the old year. New Year’s Eve is a 【小题2】(nation) holiday for many people around the world. In a lot of countries , people go back to their hometown for the New Year, so usually the trains and buses【小题3】(pack) with people. In England, there is always a New Year’s Eve party, 【小题4】 is usually held at someone’s home and the host invites friends, families and neighbors. The living room becomes a mini disco as everyone dances【小题5】 loud music.

I have lots of good 【小题6】(memory) of New Year’s Eve . I once spent one freezing New Year’s Eve in Trafalgar Square in the center of London. It snowed and was 【小题7】(bitter) cold . I also spent many wonderful New Year’s Eves in Japan. There, it is a tradition【小题8】(visit) a shrine(圣坛)and pray for good things. I think wherever you are, New Year’s Eve is always 【小题9】exciting day. Maybe the last way to welcome the New Year 【小题10】(be)watching amazing fireworks displays in the world’s cities.