New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar. Its history dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Rome. In China, while the Lunar New Year remains the most important traditional festival, January 1st has been an official public holiday since 1949. It symbolizes new beginnings and hope for the future. The Chinese name for this day, “Yuan Dan”, means “the first day of the year.”

In China, New Year’s Day is usually marked by simple family gatherings. Many families come together to share a warm meal, enjoying the company of loved ones. Evening entertainment often includes special TV programs like the CCTV New Year’s Concert. Nowadays, the focus on celebrating New Year’s Day has gradually diminished, as people pay more attention to the Spring Festival.

Today, New Year’s Day is celebrated in more modern ways. Cities often host beautiful fireworks displays and light shows, attracting crowds of people. Shopping centers and online stores hold special sales, and many use the holiday as a chance to take a short trip or relax with friends and family.

Around the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in many countries. Customs may differ, but it is universally seen as a time for a fresh start. Overseas Chinese communities often celebrate with family dinners, maintaining a connection to their cultural roots. Through these celebrations, New Year’s Day continues to bring people together, sharing joy and hope across cultures.

1.1. When did New Year’s Day become a public holiday in China?

A In ancient Rome.

B After Lunar New Year.

C In 1949.

D 2,000 years ago.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。文章第一段明确提到“January 1st has been an official public holiday since 1949”，即中国从1949年起将元旦定为法定假日。其他选项（A“在古罗马”、B“在春节之后”、D“2000年前”）均与文中信息不符。故选C。

2.2. What does “diminished” probably mean in Paragraph 2?

A Changed its date.

B Got more popular.

C Became less important.

D Included new customs.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。第二段最后一句指出“the focus on celebrating New Year’s Day has gradually diminished, as people pay more attention to the Spring Festival”，结合语境可知，由于人们更重视春节，元旦的受关注程度逐渐“减弱”，因此“diminished”最接近“变得不那么重要”之意。故选C。

3.3. What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

A Traditional family gatherings.

B The importance of shopping.

C Spring Festival activities.

D Modern ways of celebration.

解析：选D。D 段落大意题。第三段首句“Today, New Year’s Day is celebrated in more modern ways”为段落主题句，后文列举烟花秀、购物促销、短途旅行等现代庆祝方式，因此本段主要讲现代庆祝形式。A项是第二段内容，B、C两项均未准确概括段落核心。故选D。

4.4.How do overseas Chinese keep cultural ties on New Year’s Day?

A Through family dinners.

B By traveling to China.

C By watching TV programs.

D Through fireworks shows.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。文章最后一段明确提到“Overseas Chinese communities often celebrate with family dinners, maintaining a connection to their cultural roots”，即海外华人通过家庭聚餐维系文化纽带。其他选项在文中未提及或与问题无关。故选A。

5.5. Where is this passage most likely from?

A A history textbook.

B A culture magazine.

C A travel advertisement.

D A news report.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。文章介绍了元旦的历史渊源、中外习俗演变及文化意义，涵盖历史、传统与现代实践，属于文化类说明文，最可能出自文化杂志。A项“历史教科书”过于侧重历史，C项“旅游广告”和D项“新闻报道”均与文章客观说明的风格不符。故选B。