A housewarming party is a special party to be held when someone buys or moves into a new apartment or house. The person who bought the house or moved is the one who throws the panty. The party is a chance for friends and family to congratulate the person on the new home. ___36___ And it is good time to fill the new space with love and hopefully presents.

___37___ Some people register a list of things they want or need for their new home at a local or store or stores. Some common things people will put on a gift registry include kitchen tools like knives and things like curtains. Even if there isn’t a registry, a good housewarming gift is something to decorate the new house with, like a piece of art or a plant.

___38___ This is often appreciated since at a housewarming there isn’t a lot of food served. There are usually no planned activities like games at a housewarming party. The host or hostess of the party will, however, probably give all the guests a tour of their new home. Sometimes, because a housewarming party happens shortly after a person moves into their new home, people may be asked to help unpack boxes. ___39___

Housewarming parties get their name from the fact that a long time ago people would actually bring firewood to a new home as a gift. ___40___ Now most homes have central heating and don’t use fires to keep warm.

A. This isn’t usual though.

B. It is traditional to bring a gift to a housewarming party.

C. You can also bring food or drinks to share with the other guests.

D. If you’re lucky enough to receive gifts keep them in a safe place.

E. It also gives people a chance to see what the new home looks like.

F. The best housewarming parties encourage old friends to get together.

G. This was so that the person could keep their home warm for the winter.