20 маленьких разговоров о Новом годе

Conversation 1 – Buying the Yule Log

Nikola: Should we go to the market in the morning for the Yule log?

Marko: Of course, it’s tradition. But we need to go early to find a nice oak log.

Jelena: I really love this custom. I adore the smell of oak and straw in the house.

Ana: Me too. It doesn’t matter if you know all the history; what matters is that we’re together.

Nikola: I agree. Once we bring in the Yule log, the house feels warmer instantly.

Marko: Then it’s settled—let’s meet at eight in front of the market.

Conversation 2 – Decorating the Christmas Tree

Ana: Shall we decorate the Christmas tree tonight? We won’t have time tomorrow.

Marko: Sure! I’ll bring the box of decorations from the basement.

Nikola: These deer ornaments are my favorites. They remind me of childhood. Jelena: Let’s put on some music and make tea while we do it.

Marko: Deal. This year, I want the tree to be full of red and gold.

Ana: The most important thing is that we don’t break any baubles, like last year!

Conversation 3 – Where for New Year’s Eve?

Marko: Guys, what are we doing for New Year’s Eve? Town square or staying in?

Ana: Honestly, I don’t want to stand in the cold. I’m up for the mountains.

Nikola: The mountains sound perfect. Snow, fireplace, and quiet.

Jelena: I don’t mind, as long as we’re together and there’s good food. Marko: Okay, so we’re looking for a cabin on Zlatibor or Tara?

Ana: That’s best. Far from the city crowds and fireworks.

Conversation 4 – Agreeing on Gifts

Ana: Let’s agree on gifts so we don’t go bankrupt.

Marko: Agreed. We could play Secret Santa.

Nikola: That’s a great idea! Everyone draws a name and buys one gift. Jelena: And let’s keep the budget symbolic, say up to £15.

Ana: Perfect. It’s the thought that counts, not the price.

Marko: Then we’ll write the names on slips of paper and draw tonight.

Conversation 5 – New Year’s Resolutions

Jelena: Are you writing a list of wishes or goals for next year?

Nikola: I don’t write them down, I just think about what I’d like to change.

Marko: I like to write them. I want to start going to the gym and learn Spanish.

Ana: My only wish is to be less stressed.

Jelena: That’s the most important thing. Health and peace come first.

Nikola: And maybe a nice trip to the sea next summer!

Conversation 6 – Crowds at the Market

Ana: Oh no, look at the crowds at the market! Everyone’s shopping at the last minute.

Marko: We need fish for Christmas Eve; I hope they have fresh trout.

Nikola: Look at these Yule logs, beautifully decorated with wheat.

Jelena: Let’s buy some walnuts and dried plums too; they’re perfect for the holidays.

Marko: Be patient in line; it’s the holidays, people are nervous.

Ana: It’s okay, I actually like this festive hustle and bustle.

Conversation 7 – No Arguments for the Holidays

Jelena: This year, we have one rule: no heavy topics at the table.

Ana: Agreed. Politics and problems stay outside the door.

Marko: Exactly. We want to relax and laugh.

Nikola: If someone starts arguing, we’ll just pour more wine.

Jelena: Deal! The point of Christmas is peace, not who’s right.

Ana: And everyone helps with the dishes so the host doesn’t get exhausted.

Conversation 8 – Movie Marathon

Ana: We’re not going out tonight. We’re watching movies and eating popcorn.

Marko: Fine, but not those romantic comedies again, please.

Nikola: Let’s watch Home Alone; it’s a classic.

Jelena: I love movies with snow and magic; they relax me.

Marko: Okay, we’ll find something we all like.

Ana: I’ll make hot chocolate; you pick the movie.

Conversation 9 – Two Christmases

Marko: It’s great that we celebrate everything twice in Serbia.

Ana: Yes, we have both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas, and two New Year’s Eves.

Nikola: That means more days off and more Russian salad.

Jelena: It’s nice to greet friends for both holidays.

Marko: January in Belgrade is practically one big holiday.

Nikola: True, no one does anything serious until mid-January.

Conversation 10 – Explaining to Foreigners

Jelena: John and Mary from England are coming; they’ll ask what a Yule log is.

Marko: We’ll tell them it’s our version of a Christmas tree, but we burn it.

Nikola: Simply: it’s an oak log, a symbol of strength, that brings luck to the home.

Ana: We don’t need to complicate it with history. We’ll show them the customs.

Jelena: They’ll love the burning of the Yule log in front of the church; it’s quite an experience.

Marko: And they’ll definitely love the food—no need to translate that!

Conversation 11 – How Was the Year?

Ana: Looking back, how was this year for you?

Marko: It was busy, but all in all, not bad.

Nikola: It was great for me—I finally graduated!

Jelena: I’m just glad we’re all healthy; that’s what matters.

Ana: Yes. There were tough moments, but we got through them together.

Marko: Let’s toast to the next year being even better and easier.

Conversation 12 – Walking in the Snow

Nikola: Look how beautiful the city is under snow; everything is quiet.

Ana: Watch out, it’s slippery here by the entrance.

Marko: I love the sound of snow crunching under my boots.

Jelena: We really needed this walk after all that food.

Nikola: Shall we go to Kalemegdan? The view of the rivers is beautiful in winter.

Ana: Okay, but afterward, let’s go somewhere for mulled wine to warm up.

Conversation 13 – Guests Are Coming

Ana: The guests are arriving in an hour! Is everything ready?

Marko: I’ve vacuumed and tidied the living room.

Jelena: The table is set. Nikola, did you buy drinks?

Nikola: Yes, juice and wine are in the fridge.

Ana: Great. I’ll just change, and we’re ready for the doorbell.

Marko: Relax, we’ll manage. The most important thing is that we’re in good spirits.

Conversation 14 – Midnight

Jelena: One minute to midnight! Open the champagne!

Nikola: Happy New Year, everyone! All the best!

Marko: To health and wealth! Cheers!

Ana: Love you all! Let’s gather like this next year too.

Jelena: Look at the fireworks from the terrace; they’re beautiful!

Nikola: Let’s call our parents now to wish them a happy new year.

Conversation 15 – Christmas Morning

Ana: Christ is born! Merry Christmas!

Marko: Truly He is born! Shall we go to the liturgy?

Nikola: It’s a bit early and cold, but it’s nice to go to church.

Jelena: I love the atmosphere in the morning; everyone is festive and smiling.

Ana: And after church, we have the Christmas bread. Who will find the coin this year?

Marko: I found it last year, so it’s someone else’s turn now.

Conversation 16 – New Planner

Marko: I bought a new planner. I need to get organized.

Ana: I write everything in my phone; I always lose paper.

Nikola: I like having a wall calendar with nature pictures.

Jelena: Let’s write down birthdays right away so we don’t forget.

Marko: And vacation dates, so we have something to look forward to.

Ana: True. Planning a holiday is half the fun.

Conversation 17 – Charity Action

Jelena: I was thinking, instead of buying useless things, let’s help someone?

Ana: Great idea. We could send an SMS to donate for children’s treatment.

Marko: Or take old clothes and toys to the Red Cross.

Nikola: There are so many people who don’t even have enough to eat. We should remember them.

Jelena: The holidays are the perfect time for that. We’ll feel better.

Ana: Agreed. Tomorrow, we’ll pack up things we don’t wear.

Conversation 18 – Video Call with Family

Ana: We need to call our aunt in Canada; it’s morning there now.

Marko: Set up the laptop so she can see us all.

Jelena: Oh, I hope the internet works well.

Nikola: I miss them. It’s a shame they’re not here with us.

Ana: At least technology exists, so we can see and hear each other.

Marko: Here, it’s ringing! Everyone smile and wave!

Conversation 19 – Story for the Kids

Jelena: The kids are restless; they need some entertainment.

Nikola: I’ll tell them the story of Santa Claus.

Ana: Just don’t make it too long; they’ll fall asleep.

Marko: Tell them they have to be good if they want presents.

Jelena: And let them draw a Christmas tree while we have coffee in peace. Nikola: Deal, I’ll be the entertainer for half an hour.

Conversation 20 – January 1st

Ana: Good morning. How did you sleep?

Marko: Great. Today, I’m not doing anything at all.

Nikola: There’s still plenty of food from last night. Sarma is best the next day. Jelena: I’m spending the whole day in my pajamas watching TV.

Ana: That’s the real rest. Just coffee, cakes, and movies.

Marko: I agree. January 1st is the official day for lounging.