Ashlie: Oh hi, Stephen. You made it then!

Stephen: Hi, Ashlie, I thought we were going Christmas shopping, not ice-skating.

Ashlie: Oh, we are. But I saw the rink and ice-skating is so much fun. It’s almost as much fun as shopping!

Stephen: It’s Christmas Eve and this is the Tower of London Ice Rink. Ashlie and I are supposed to be doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Ashlie: We’re cooking dinner for the family this year. They’re coming to Stephen’s to give our mum a rest.

Stephen: And we’ve still got lots of presents to buy. So you shouldn’t be messing around on the ice.

Ashlie: Oh come on, Stephen. Come and have a go. What’s wrong with you? Look watch me - I can go backwards!

Stephen: Stop showing off. Alright, I’ll come on, but just for five minutes - no more.

.....

Ashlie: Come on then. Take my hand. That’s it and we just go in a big circle… like this…

Stephen: It’s not as difficult as it looks. I think I’m better than you. It’s all about keeping your balance.

Ashlie: Stephen, you’re going in the wrong direction.

Ashlie: Stephen! Watch out!

Stephen: Oh, sorry!

.....

Stephen: Oh, I love Christmas, Ash. It’s so exciting.

Ashlie: I know. All the presents, the wonderful food. I can’t wait.

Stephen: Wow, look at these. They’re great. Oh, I love these. Look, it’s snowing! Let’s get some Christmas decorations. These are so cool.

Ashlie: Well, maybe we could get something for the tree. What about some tinsel? I want the tree to look really tasteful and stylish. These are nice.

Stephen: Those are really boring. What we need is lots of different colours to make the tree look really beautiful.

Ashlie: Mmm, well, I’m not sure. I think the tree will look better with just a few decorations.

Stephen: No way! A Christmas tree is meant to be bright and colourful. Oh come on, Ash, let me choose some Christmas decorations.

Ashlie: Well, I suppose so. As long as you don’t get too much. Listen, I want to go and buy your present now, but it’s a secret. So I will see you later.

Stephen: Presents - of course. OK. Bye!

Ashlie: Bye!

.....

Stephen: There... perfect!

Ashlie: Stephen! What have you done? What has happened to the Christmas tree?

Stephen: It looks so much better now, doesn’t it? All bright and Christmassy. It’s as big as the tree Mum and Dad had last year but it looks even better.

Ashlie: But I wanted the tree to be stylish and beautiful. Now it looks like a kid’s decorated it!

Stephen: Do you think we should add some more of these baubles?

Ashlie: No, I really don’t. Just don’t put anything else on the Christmas tree, OK? Come on, let’s hang up our stockings.

Stephen: OK. They look great. And look, I’ve put out some mince pies for when Father Christmas comes down the chimney and some carrots for the reindeer.

Ashlie: Ah, that is sweet of you. Hmm, mince pies! They do look good. I’m starving. I suppose Father Christmas won’t mind if I have one.

Stephen: Maybe one or two won't matter.