🎯 Key Expressions from the Episode (with Examples)
- Deck out(phrasal verb)
→ To decorate elaborately; to adorn something completely- “They really decked out their house with lights and inflatables for Christmas.”
- “The office lobby was decked out for the company holiday party.”
- Cozy up(phrasal verb)
→ To snuggle or get comfortable, especially in a warm and relaxed way- “Let’s cozy up on the couch with a blanket and watch a holiday movie.”
- “She likes to cozy up by the fireplace with a cup of tea.”
- Bundle up(phrasal verb)
→ To put on warm clothes or layers to stay warm- “Don’t forget to bundle up—it’s freezing outside!”
- “The kids were bundled up in scarves, coats, and mittens.”
- Warm up(phrasal verb)
→ To become warm or to make something warm- “Come inside and warm up with some soup.”
- “It took hours to warm up the cabin after being empty for days.”
- Sell out(phrasal verb)
→ To be completely sold; when all items are gone due to high demand- “Better grab that toy early before it sells out.”
- “Tickets to the show sold out in just 20 minutes.”
🎭 Role Play Script Using These Expressions
Characters: Jenna and Maria – Two friends chatting about their Christmas Eve plans
Jenna:
Hey Maria! Are you still going to your cousin’s place for Christmas Eve?
Maria:
Yep! They always deck out their house with the most incredible lights—think giant inflatables and synchronized music!
Jenna:
That sounds amazing! Just make sure to bundle up. It’s supposed to drop below freezing tonight.
Maria:
Oh, absolutely. I’ve got my boots, scarf, and puffy coat ready. After the walk, we’ll probably head inside to warm up with some mulled wine.
Jenna:
Nice! Then you can all cozy up by the fire and watch a movie or something.
Maria:
Exactly. But I still have to grab a few toys for my nieces—I hope they haven’t sold out already.
Jenna:
Oof, good luck with that. The shelves were looking pretty empty when I went shopping yesterday!
📝 Summary Paragraph Using All Expressions
During the holiday season, many families deck out their homes with festive lights and decorations, turning entire neighborhoods into glowing wonderlands. When the temperatures drop, it’s important to bundle up before heading outside, whether you’re going for a stroll or enjoying local festivities. Afterward, there’s nothing better than heading inside to warm up with a hot drink. Families often cozy up together on the couch under thick blankets, watching holiday movies by the fire. And if you’re shopping for popular gifts, don’t wait too long—many items sell out quickly as the big day approaches.
❓Q1: Is “deck” in “deck out” a shortened form of “decorate”?
A1:
No, “deck” is not a shortened form of “decorate,” but it has a similar meaning. “To deck” is actually an old verb that means to adorn or decorate, and it’s been used that way for centuries. For example, in the Christmas song “Deck the Halls,” the word “deck” means to decorate the halls with holly. So while it feels like a short form of “decorate,” it’s really its own word.
❓Q2: Is “Think giant inflatables and synchronized music!” a correct sentence?
A2:
Yes, it’s a perfectly natural sentence in spoken English. The phrase “Think [something]!” is a casual and expressive way to tell someone to imagine something or picture it in their mind.
For example:
- “Think fireworks, loud music, and huge crowds!”
It’s short for something like: - “Imagine giant inflatables and music that’s synchronized with the lights.”
❓Q3: What is mulled wine?
A3:
Mulled wine is hot red wine that’s been spiced with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange peel. It’s a traditional winter or holiday drink, especially popular in Europe and North America. People usually drink it warm at Christmas markets or holiday parties to warm up.
❓Q4: Is “cozy up by” a common phrase? What does “by” mean here?
A4:
Yes, “cozy up by” is a common and natural phrase, especially in winter or holiday contexts. The word “by” means next to or close to—usually something warm or comforting like a fireplace.
For example:
- “Let’s cozy up by the fire with a blanket.”
- “They cozy up by the heater after coming inside from the snow.”
“By” emphasizes physical nearness to something warm and comforting.