Why we love holiday rituals and traditions The mere thought of holiday traditions brings smiles to most peoples faces. We can almost smell those candles, taste those special meals, hear those 30. ________ songs in our minds. In 31. ________ , there are plenty of reasons to value family rituals. Research shows that they can provide various psychological benefits, helping us enjoy ourselves, stay in 32. ________ with loved ones and take a break from the daily routine. Having a special time of the year when we know exactly what to do, the way weve always done it, provides a comfortable sense of control and stability. Experiments show that the structured and repetitive actions involved in such rituals are like 33. ________ a preventive measure against anxiety by making our world a more predictable place. No holiday tradition would be complete without a festive 34. ________ . Since the first humans gathered around the fire to roast their hunt, cooking has been one of the defining characteristics of our species. Sharing a table symbolizes community, 35. ________ the entire family together and smooths the way for conversation and connection. It is common to 36. ________ presents during the holiday period. From a rational perspective, this might seem pointless, at best recycling resources or, at worst, wasting them. But dont underestimate the importance of these exchanges. Anthropologists have noted that among many societies ritualized gift-giving plays a crucial role in maintaining social ties by creating networks of reciprocal relationships. 30. Ответ: _________ 1) acquainted 2) familiar 3) friendly 4) accustomed