Don’t Say “Between the Years” — Sparks Plus, Week 19

Welcome to this week’s Sparks Plus — your quick, practical boost for clearer, more confident English.
Six short sections, all easy to read and use right away.

1️⃣ Quick Win

German speakers say “zwischen den Jahren.”
In English, we don’t say “between the years.”

Try one of these instead:
✔ the days between Christmas and New Year
✔ the quiet days after Christmas
✔ the week after Christmas

All sound natural and friendly.

2️⃣ Real-World English in Action

Denglish rescue:
A client said: I’m in holidays now.

In English, we say:
✔ I’m on holiday now.
✔ I’m on my Christmas break.

(On holiday → British English.
On vacation → American English.)

3️⃣ Christine’s Pick

Unwrapping the Mystery of Boxing Day
A light, fun video about Boxing Day – where it comes from, how it started and why it’s still a big day in the UK.
In British English – with several idioms and not-too-easy-to-understand phrases!
Great if you’ve ever wondered what Brits actually do on the 26th.

🎄 https://youtu.be/KqYHf7wxcvw?si=536NI90jouo8qF9I

4️⃣ Reader Question

Q: Should I say at the end of the year or at year’s end?

A: Both are correct.
✔ At the end of the year → everyday English
✔ At year’s end → more formal or literary

For emails and small talk, “at the end of the year” is the safer choice.

5️⃣ AI Prompt to Test

Copy this into ChatGPT:

“Give me 5 natural English small-talk questions I can ask colleagues during the days between Christmas and New Year. Keep them friendly and simple (B1/B2 level).”

Pick one and try it this week.