The holidays are busy, and the last thing you want is a heavy study schedule. The good news? You don’t need to “study” to keep your French fresh. A little relaxed exposure goes a long way.
Here’s a no-stress French practice list you can use during the holidays, simple, enjoyable, and effective.
1. Review Old Lessons (Light & Easy)
Instead of learning new grammar, take a few minutes to:
-skim your old lesson notes
-rewatch a short tutorial
-revisit vocabulary you already know
This helps reinforce what you’ve learned without pressure. Even 10 minutes is enough to keep things clear in your mind.
2. Watch French Movies for Passive Practice
Watching movies is one of the easiest ways to stay connected to French, even if you don’t understand everything.
For beginners, focus on:
-the rhythm of the language
-familiar words
-pronunciation and intonation
🎬 My recommendations:
-Paris, je t’aime
-L’arnacœur
-Le dîner de cons
Tip: turn on French audio with French or English subtitles depending on your level.
3. Use YouTube for Short, Flexible Practice
YouTube is perfect when you only have a few minutes. Short videos allow you to:
-practice listening
-review grammar naturally
-hear real spoken French
I have hundreds of long and short videos designed exactly for this kind of relaxed practice. If you’re not sure where to start, check out one of my beginner-friendly videos linked here.
4. Listen Without Studying
Another easy option:
-play French videos or movies in the background
-listen while cooking or cleaning
-don’t pause or take notes
This kind of passive exposure builds familiarity and confidence over time.
5. Speak… Just a Little
No pressure here. Try:
-repeating a sentence from a movie or video
-reading a short text out loud
-saying a few phrases to yourself
Speaking for even 2–3 minutes helps maintain fluency.
Final Tip: Consistency Beats Intensity
You don’t need long sessions. A little French, often, is much more effective than forcing yourself to study when you’re tired.
Enjoy the holidays, relax and let French stay part of your routine naturally.
About the Author
Bonjour, I’m Umut, a certified French teacher based in Toronto. I’ve helped hundreds of beginners build a strong foundation in French, improve their confidence, and succeed in the TEF/TCF Canada exams for Canadian PR applications.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me exploring French films, creating content for my students, or enjoying a café with a good book.
