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Story

Hey, I’m Katya, I’m 16, and I want to tell you what makes my house feel really cozy and special to me.

For me, comfort at home isn’t just about having a nice sofa or a fancy TV. It’s about the little things that make the atmosphere warm and inviting. My favorite part of the house is the living room. It’s not the biggest room, but it’s the one where I feel the most at home. There’s a huge, soft couch where we all sit together to watch movies, and I love how it’s surrounded by plants. My mom is really into plants, so we have a lot of them. They give the room a fresh feel, and I find it really relaxing just to sit there and look at them.

Another thing that makes our home cozy is the smell. It sounds strange, but I think smell is such an important part of creating a welcoming environment. My mom always bakes on weekends, and the smell of fresh bread or cinnamon rolls fills the house. When I walk in after school, the first thing I notice is that smell. It instantly makes me feel relaxed and safe, like I’m home.

The lighting is also a huge factor. We don’t use bright overhead lights much. Instead, we have soft lamps that give off a warm glow. My mom likes to light candles too, especially in the evening. I love how the soft, flickering light creates a calm atmosphere. It feels like a mini escape from the busy world outside.

Of course, comfort at home is also about the people you share it with. My family is always around, and there’s always someone to talk to or hang out with. Whether it’s my dad telling jokes or my younger brother running around, there’s always some kind of activity happening. Even on the busiest days, it’s nice to come home to a place where you feel loved and at ease.

For me, home is the place where I can truly relax and be myself. It’s where I feel safe, comfortable, and happy.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To feel at home – чувствовать себя как дома

A cozy home – уютный дом

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere – создавать тёплую и гостеприимную атмосферу

To be surrounded by something – быть окружённым чем-то

To find something relaxing – находить что-то расслабляющим

To feel safe – чувствовать себя в безопасности

To notice something – замечать что-то

To instantly feel relaxed – сразу почувствовать расслабление

To give off a warm glow – излучать тёплый свет

A soft glow – мягкое свечение

To light candles – зажигать свечи

To escape from the busy world outside – убежать от суеты внешнего мира

To hang out with someone – проводить время с кем-то

To tell jokes – рассказывать шутки

To have someone to talk to – иметь с кем поговорить

To be around – быть рядом, находиться в близости

To feel loved – чувствовать себя любимым

To be yourself – быть собой

To come home – прийти домой

To make something special – сделать что-то особенным

A fresh feel – свежая атмосфера

To fill the house with a smell – наполнять дом запахом

A welcoming environment – гостеприимная обстановка

A soft lamp – мягкая лампа

To create a calm atmosphere – создавать спокойную атмосферу

Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases from the list.

The smell of cinnamon rolls __________ every weekend, and it makes the house feel warm and cozy.

I love the __________ of the living room, with its soft light and plants everywhere.

When I come home after a long day, I instantly __________ and feel at peace.

My mom likes to __________ in the evenings, especially when we have family dinners.

The living room is a place where we __________ after school to watch movies or talk.

Having plants around the house really __________. They make everything feel fresher and more relaxing.

The soft lighting from the lamps creates a __________ that helps me relax after a busy day.

I feel completely __________ when I’m at home because it’s a place where I can be myself.

Our house is always __________ with the smell of fresh bread, which is my favorite thing.

After school, I like to __________ with my family and chat about our day.

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the phrases with their correct translations.

To feel at home

To create a welcoming environment

To light candles

To have someone to talk to

To come home

A cozy home

a) создать гостеприимную атмосферу

b) иметь с кем поговорить

c) прийти домой

d) уютный дом

e) зажигать свечи

f) чувствовать себя как дома

Exercise 3: Personal Questions

Answer the following questions based on your own experiences.

What makes your home feel cozy and special to you?

How do you usually spend your time at home after school?

What’s your favorite part of your home and why?

How do your family members contribute to creating a cozy atmosphere at home?

Do you think the smell of food or candles can make a big difference in how a home feels? Why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

fills the house with a smell

feel

feel relaxed

light candles

hang out

gives off a fresh feel

soft glow

feel safe

fills the house

hang out

Exercise 2: Matching

To feel at home – f) чувствовать себя как дома

To create a welcoming environment – a) создать гостеприимную атмосферу

To light candles – e) зажигать свечи

To have someone to talk to – b) иметь с кем поговорить

To come home – c) прийти домой

A cozy home – d) уютный дом

Example Answers to Personal Questions:

What makes your home feel cozy and special to you?

I love how my room is always warm and how there’s a big window where I can see the trees outside. My family also has a tradition of making hot chocolate on rainy days, which always makes the house feel extra cozy.

How do you usually spend your time at home after school?

After school, I usually go to my room to relax, do my homework, and listen to music. On weekends, I like to spend time with my family in the living room, watching movies or just chatting.

What’s your favorite part of your home and why?

My favorite part of the house is the kitchen because it’s where everyone gathers to cook and talk. It feels really warm and inviting, especially when my mom is baking something.

How do your family members contribute to creating a cozy atmosphere at home?

My mom likes to keep the house clean and adds little touches like fresh flowers or candles. My dad often plays music in the living room, which makes the space feel comfortable and lively.

Do you think the smell of food or candles can make a big difference in how a home feels? Why?

Yes, definitely! The smell of freshly baked cookies or a scented candle makes the house feel inviting and warm. It immediately makes you feel like you’re in a place where you’re welcome and safe.