Christmas is a time of all others when want is keenly felt, and abundance rejoices.

When I was in Germany, one day at Christmas time I went to a post office to send a letter. (1)     my surprise. I found people queuing some paces away (2)___  the person at the savings deposit (存款)window. Why so？ Each did his business in turn (3)    the line never moved a step nearer. I was very curious, so I walked to the window to find out the (4)_____. There was a notice on (5) ____ was written “Thank you for your respect for others’ privacy”, a polite warning to keep people away from nosing into(干涉)others’ affairs. Money matters are (6)___as privacy in Western countries. I was deeply impressed by the sight and stayed a while to watch: they were waiting so calmly at a distance that they seemed quite used to the practice .The same thing happened at a public telephone box. Those waiting for their turns always kept their distance enough to be out of hearing. It’s another typical example!

From then on, I took care to watch their ways of doing things, manners, and treatment shown towards others. I found the Germans always (7) ___________ (mind) of others’ privacy. They avoided putting others in an embarrassing situation. For instance, they never asked about age, incomes or the place to buy such a coat, nor (8)______ ______ they comment on the clothes or jewelry others wore. Their laws forbid reading diaries (9)___ __________opening letters without (10)______ ______ (permit). That shows personal matters are not allowed to be disturbed.