Christmas, an important festival, is now celebrated in many countries. On Christmas Eve last year people from every corner 41 into the streets. On the pavements, the street singers performed happily. Everyone was accompanied by someone else, 42 and cheerful. However, I was alone.
As one of eight kids of a Brazilian family, brought up in America's crowded apartment, I'd spent several years searching for aloneness. Now, 43 , at 27, a college student after the 44 with my girlfriend, every cell inside me wanted to be alone, 45 not at Christmas. My family had 46 to Brazil and my friends were 47 with their own lives. Dusk was approaching, and the fact that I had to return to my 48 home made me sad. Lights from windows blinked (闪烁), and I hoped someone would 49 from one of those homes to invite me inside with a Christmas tree decorated with shiny fake snow and 50 presents.
At a market, I felt more 51 when people were buying lots of goods, which 52 the gifts we received as children in my mind. I missed my family and wanted to cry for wanting to be alone and for having achieved it.
Outside the church, a manger (小耶稣) had been set 53 . I stood with others watching the scene, some of them 54 themselves, praying. As I walked home, I realized that leaving Brazil was still a painful experience as I struggled with 55 I had become in 15 years in America. I'd mourned (悲叹) the 56 , but for the first time, I recognized what I’d gained. I was independent, 57 and healthy. My life was still ahead, full of 58 .
Sometimes the best gift is the one that you give yourself. That Christmas, I gave myself 59 for what I'd obtained up to now and promise to go forward. It is the best gift I've ever got, the one that I most 60 .
41.A. burst B. got C. put D. flooded
42.A. puzzled B. worried C. delighted D. devoted
43.A. usually B. eventually C. really D. extremely
44.A. breakup B. concern C. sympathy D. date
45.A. so B. and C. but D. or
46.A. moved B. returned C. came D. slipped
47.A. occupied B. satisfied C. pleased D. bored
48.A. shabby B. comfortable C. warm D. empty
49.A. turn up B. hang out C. go away D. break in
50.A. dealt B. wrapped C. discounted D. donated
51.A. tired B. nervous C. upset D. excited
52.A. called for B. called up C. called on D. called in
53.A. up B. down C. aside D. about
54.A. hugging B. bowing C. bending D. crossing
55.A. how B. what C. which D. that
56.A. cases B. limits C. worries D. losses
57.A. educated B. lonely C. shy D. wealthy
58.A. sight B. possibility C. sadness D. hardship
59.A. surprise B. defeat C. credit D. prize
60.A. select B. save C. value D. admit
DCBAC BADAB CBADB DABCC