Jill Huang (Beijing) did some excellent research into robins. Douglas Keeler (Riyadh) asked about our shared surname (maybe you're my secret brother, Douglas!). Amjad (Iran) wondered whether I had inherited my house (no, I had to work to earn the money to buy it - sad, but true). So many of you shared your secrets, your Beatles stories, and wrote about men's and women's friendships.

Marianne (Slovakia) thinks I spend too much money (dead right, Marianne, I'm broke!). It was good to hear from parts of the world I know well, such as Sweden, China, Eastern Europe and Siberia, as well as from places I will never see. It was fun to hear about what's in your fridge, too.

You were kind to Lucy - sympathetic because she has such a strict Dad - especially when she got her exam results. She's having such a good time at university, and even seems to be working quite hard.

Ela (Tehran) sent a lovely story (many thanks). Anna (Latvia) told us how her boyfriend sang Yesterday to her - how romantic. There were poems and jokes and kind comments from 'friends' old and new - Noora (Iran), Truc Ly (Vietnam), Ana Paula (Brazil), Ania (Poland), Anita (Slovakia), Silwal Kishor (Nepal), Maria (Russia), Lucy (Sakhalin Island) …and so many more. It is so frustrating that I don't know what you look like, except for the glamorous Adriana (Brazil) who was the Student Blogger recently. I can't reply to each of you individually or send you a personal Christmas card. I can't even say 'Goodbye' personally.

Goodbye? Yes. This is the last Stephen Keeler Column the BBC will publish. In over thirty-five years in English language teaching this has been the most enjoyable job I've ever had, and I'm very sorry it's about to end. So how about a New Year's Eve party to say 'Thank you' from me? You're all invited. Bring a friend. Bring as many as you like. But before you rush off to buy your plane ticket to Heathrow I should explain that this will be a virtual party.

This is how it's going to work. I have already written to about 100 friends of mine asking them all to visit this website and read your comments on the last half dozen columns. Then they must choose three or four readers (you) in different time zones. At midnight on New Year's Eve in those time zones, my friends will raise a glass and drink a toast to you by name and say 'Happy New Year' and 'Thank you' on my behalf for being such loyal and generous 'friends'.

I guarantee that everyone who has had a comment published on any of the last six columns will have one or more of my friends - and me - toasting them at midnight (your time) on New Year's Eve.

All you have to do in return is toast us at midnight your time. I'm going to be in France during the New Year holiday so you can toast me at midnight French time (one hour before British time), if you like. Lucy will be in the UK, so you can toast her, too, an hour later, if you want. You could even sing a couple of verses of Auld Lang Syne* - a well-known traditional, Scottish, New Year song - if you feel like it. You'll just have to imagine me joining in (and be grateful you can't actually hear me!):

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

It may not be the biggest New Year party in the world but it could be the longest-lasting (I shall be toasting you for almost twenty-four hours!) and one of the most sentimental. I'll miss and remember you all.

Where I come from originally, in the north-east of England, we have a New Year tradition called First Footing. On New Year's Eve groups of friends visit each other, after midnight, to bring the New Year into each other's homes. Traditionally, the first person who steps into the house after midnight should be a tall, dark-haired man (not the owner of the house). He is the 'first foot' and is given a welcoming drink, usually whisky. We carry a piece of coal into the house, to represent fuel and warmth in the New Year, and a bottle of whisky, to represent food and drink in the New Year (and to help us keep warm as we go from house-to-house). Sadly, it seems to be a dying tradition which is a shame, I think. Whatever you do and whoever you do it with be safe and enjoy yourself.

Thank you for being so kind and generous and supportive. May you all be healthy, happy and successful in 2008.

Very warmest best wishes to all of you and to your families. Happy New Year!







(and Lucy, too, of course!)


*For auld lang syne by Robert Burns (Scottish poet), 1759-96

A big thank you to Stephen from the BBC team for sharing his experiences and expertise over the past few months.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

BBC Learning English.

SOME USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

fascinating
very interesting

inherited
If you inherited your house you received it from someone who has died.

dead right
(slang/idiomatic) absolutely right

broke
(slang/idiomatic) having no money

virtual
not real; imagined; existing in cyberspace only

half dozen
six

raise a glass and drink a toast to you
When you drink a toast to someone you take a drink, usually (but not necessarily) wine or some other alcohol, as a symbolic gesture to show your appreciation of them or wish them success. 'To raise a glass to (someone)' can be used instead of 'to drink a toast to (someone)'.

on my behalf
for me; in place of me

This topic has now closed. Thank you for all your comments.

Tra My, Vietnam
Dear Stephen and friends all over the world, I feel regret because these are our last posts for this column. I have just written comments recently and I am the newcomer. This is a good opportunity for me to study English and you helped me a lot with useful words and expressions at the end of your post, Stephen. Thank so much. I saved all of them in my PC to expand my vocabulary. Furthermore, all your stories are interesting and novel. I am happy because you printed out all our comments so we will not forget each other. The pity is that my name is not mentioned in your last post. Maybe I haven't written impressive comments yet. I will try to improve my English. Once more time, thanks for your help. I warmly invite you to Hanoi, Vietnam. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you again on BBC Learning English website.

Maria, Russia
Dear Stephen!Like everyone here I am really sorry to hear that this is the last time you talk to us.Be sure, you have many friends all other the world who appreciate you. I hope to meet you again in the virtual space.Be happy, both you and charming Lucy!Merry Xmas and Happy New year!

Ericsson, Brazil
Hello Stephen! i cannot believe this will be your last column :( i am so sad! i can still remember me finding this column a couple of months ago.....i was trying to find something about english grammar or just something to read. When i found your column i was so happy that i could read , learn and have fun all at the same time . Thank you so much for bringing so much joy to us all!!!!!i wish you a Fabulous christmas and an amazing new year!!!!!

Adriano, Brazil, Sao Paulo
I've sent many comments all over the year, but unfortunately justo one of them was published.But anyway, I like reading our blog because you are such an intelligent man and it is both fun and smart.Thank you very much Stephen!

Ela,Karaj,Tehran,Iran
Hi great Stephen:)Within you is a spirit capable of touching the hearts:)my lovely teacher you know that in Islam and also all religions teaching is the prophet's job,so you are precious:)in every religious celebrations I pray for all people who have taught me something,today in the Eid ul-Adha my little prayer was your happiness,and tomorrow night is called Yalda in Iran,we celebrate this night which is the longest night of year,all relations gather together ,we dance, sing and it s a tradition to eat water mellon in yalda's night ,Yalda means when the sun raise in the sky and a new day is born!we read Hafiz poems and we can wish something,this year my wish will be your happiness and I'll wish your lovely lucy the best of luck in her study,this year you'll recieve Santa Claus's presents in your heart so don't check your stockings:))you'll recieve all your students wishes!you did a great job ,you conquered all the hearts.Merry christmas ,happy new yearwish you succeed ,happiness and prosperity:)

Linda Fan From ShenZhen China
Hi Stephen, It's really hard to say GoodBye to you, but we don't have choice right, there is a chinese proverb - "Tian Xia Mei You Bu San De Yan Xi", Maybe it is good for you, because you can have more time to travel, to enjoy the life...I would like to take this responsibility to thank you again, because I feel like my English has been improved a lot after i read your every blog, And from the blog, I can imagine that you must be a very nice father to Lucy, i learned that you loved her very much!!!Well, May it's time for me to read your blog one by one again....Wish you and Lucy all the best!!!

Ngagne Senegal
Thank you very much I never miss your column although Iam a biginner en learning english tha's way I can not said all I want.It's difficult to imagine that you this column will be your last With bbc learning englihsh I have much more motivation to farther my learning english speaking and writing.Sorry for the mistake and much more luke for you.And sometime if you can comeback

Majka, Poland
Hi,It was really nice to read your very interesting articles. I must say that you have very specific sense of humour (quite like me). I don't know if I've understood everything well, your column stop existing? It is impossible that close something what has demand. Maybe somebody should think over this once again before commit (we'll be honest) such a reckless step. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for everyone. (I repeat Happy New Year.....)Bye for now Majka

Rosa Basque Country
Hi Stephen:I don't know about the real effects of toasts on your everyday life, but no doubt you are going to have a marvellous 2008 as I expect lots of people to think of you on New Year's Eve. I certainly will. Thanks for your column which has been a great help in my english lessons (I even talked some of my students into writing to you!). Good luck in any other projects that you may undertake in future. Happy New Year or as we say in Basque "URTE BERRI ON"

Bau, Viet nam,
Thank you very much for invite a partyGood luck , Merry Chrismes and Happy Newyear

Shameema, Dhaka, Bangladesh
It's too early to say good bye, because I 've just meet you and very glad. I 've enjoyed your column very much and it's nice learning process.any way best wishes for you for the new year,2008.

Lucy, Sakhalin
Dear Stephen!You're sure to be poured with showers of tears of sadness (it makes sense to think of a life-boat).And my drop will be just insignificant for you .Nevertheless I'd like to tell you I appreciated Stephen Keller column and the man behind it.

Antonio, Tubize (Belgium)
Hi Stephen, it is hard to believe that your articles won’t be accompanying us anymore. I haven’t commented to each one, but I have read them all and kept them as a precious treasure, not only because of their English teaching but also for their human touch. I am going to miss your writing style, the facility you have to share your thoughts without taboo and your sense of humour. Lucy can be very proud of her father. I do not like to say goodbye so I will say “hasta la vista”. Have, both of you, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2008. Antonio

Naheed, Pakistan
It's been a great time with you and we will miss you. Reading your column and writing comments was like seeing a friend every fortnight. We will really miss you so much. May you be happy, healthy and get what you have wished for. And for Lucy, may she always be happy, healthy, successful and may she get a wonderful life partner. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Naheed

Inma, Spain
Why this goodbye now?I've just meet you.I have enjoyed very much to be able to read that you write. Good luck and a very happy new year¡

Diema, Bulgaria
Hello, Stephen!Thanks for making us part of your life. What I learnt from your column during these 8 months is that I should seize every moment and not postpone writing for later. I was visiting this website regularly, but didn't find time for other activities in it. It concerns life as a whole as well.Thanks for admitting us in your home. Thanks for sharing with us your hopes and worries connected with Lucy. Thanks for telling us about your trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. The last one was so vivid in your texts that I feel as if I were there. As we all know, every beginning has a matching end.(which in turn can be a new begining)I hope BBC will find other ways to attract our attention in learning the language.I'll raise a glass of red wine to you at New Year's Eve. Accept my warm wishes for good health!Diema

Nima Vazirian, Iran
Dear Stephen you've written it's "party time", it wasn't supposed to be partying time.Why so soon!!!! Many Many Thanks for your all the time and energy you put into your making it a memorable and most charming blog of all.I never forget you and I come back to re-read them whenever I miss you. A Big Hug to my most precious teacher. HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR, Nima

Jina, Sweden
I rarely wrote comments on your bolg, but i swear i read every single blog you had. I feel very sad, its like to say goodbye to a very intim person. My eyes is full of tears. I wish you and lucy happy new year, a year full of happiness and enjoy. We love you stephen and Lucy. Please let us know if you are back here on bbc

Kirsti, France
I asked not long ago when we were told that the BBC LE messages boards were to disappear if your column was to stay. I never saw my question. Maybe I didn't look carefully enough, maybe my question was not politically correct. But what I feared for was true. I will miss you and your column. If you are going to drink a toast to all of us - you will be as drunk as a lord. Oh, a way like another to get a title of nobility. X-mas time suits well for a groom (I am referring to your name and Swedish X-mas songs) to raise in rang. Well, joke apart, thanks a lot for your columns. Be well! Skål!

Iris, Germany
Thanks a million, Stephen, for your brilliant reports. Reading your fascinating comments every fortnight was one of the best ways of learning English. Really it’s very sad to hear this column is last. I’ll miss and remember you, too. As for a virtual party, it would be beautiful: Virtual New Year's Eve party. Cheerfully I’ll raise a glass of champagne to you at midnight French time and I’ll drink a toast to lucy an hour later, as well. I wish you and Lucy a merry Christmas and a good health and success in the coming Year.Happy New Year 2008! Cheers, Iris

Pilar, Spain
Oh My God Stephen! After this fascinating year travelling with you to Mount Kilimanjaro, London, New York, Sweden, Your fridge, Your heart...Today's column almost brings tears to my eyes. I love your writing style, and I would like to thank you for your hard and well-done work. I hope to see you in the BBC LE web page with another project.At New Year's Eve I will raise a glass and drink a toast to you and all the readers around the world.Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Samith Roshan, Sri Lanka
My dearest teacher Stephen,Its great opertunity for us to improve our language skills by reading your seasoanble columns and its tecniques.I would like to share my experience with all my freinds all over the world and if I can do something for better world together with my friends, i am ready to sacrifice even my life.LONG LIVE MY DEAR TEACHER YOU ARE A GOD FOR OUR WORLD. for further contactsSAMITHA

Indu, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Hi Stephan,It is so sad that we may not be able to hearing from you again. thanks a lot for the knowledge and interesting ideas you shared with us. I was a regular reader, but rarely reply, only one or two times, this time I thought to reply about your sad news. Every time I open BBC Site to read your interesting column. so I'll be missing you a lot. I am not celebrating the new year. because I am a Buddhist and celebrate new year on April. Any way wishing all the hapiness for you and Lu.I invite you to visit to my country one day. definitely you will love it, Dont forget to invite to Lucy also.Bye.

Jinok, South Korea
Dear Stephen, sorry to hear you stop writing this lovely column anymore. Over the past 8 months or so you have done great job for those who are learning English through the net, BBC, which is fabulous tool as well as wonderful broadcasting corp. I'd like to give my deep and heartful gratitude to you for your contribution to the readers and/or learners of English. All the time I wish you are in good spirit and healthy. Take care. Last but not to least thanks a bunch for let your friend give toast one of us who are readers in these columns on new year's eve. I will toast to you and Luch as the way you mentioned, following the time. Here is Korea 9 hours ahead London. And have a nice trip to France.... Cheerio!

Csilla, Hungary
Hello Stephen,I am very sorry that this is your last column- I enjoyed reading them. This virtual New Year's Eve party sounds great- so wherever I am/ will be (probably in Romania with my friends and family) I will toast on you. I wish you, your family and friends Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences, Csilla :)

Elena, Moscow, Russia
Oh dear,what a blow! Stephen, is there any chance your column can come back? It was good to hear you enjoyed this job as much as we admired your writing. I do hope you will find an opportunity to resume your unique online teaching - an incredibly efficient and inspiring language guidance you offered your readers and 'friends', as you put it, all over he world.Thank you for your generous good-bye party - we'll keep you in our prayers and drink to your return!Do keep in touch - we need you!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yearto Lucy and you. I wish you luck and inspiration in 2008.Elena

Habooba, Ahwaz
we'll miss you too and most certainly remember you and your jewel Lucy. It was a great pleasure knowing you and sharing in many of your experiences and thoughts. Imam Ali says whoever taught you a word has made you his slave.So, dear teacher, please accept my humble bow. I will raise my glass of Islamic beer on New Year's Eve and drink to your health and all my blogmates...Merry Christmas to you and have a nice and enjoyable trip...aurevoir

Chinalucy, China
Hi, Stephen. I am just a new reader of your column. Two weeks ago, I just came across one of your entries. However, I was totally fascinated by your words. You impressed me as a man of charm and dry sense of humour. From that day, I decided to be your loyal reader. But unfortunately, today you tell all of us that you are about to leave, and this is your last column. What a pity for me!

Graciela, from Santa Fe in Argentina
Well, I can’t believe that you is leaving! This is bad piece of news. In spite of the fact that I hardly ever writing because my poor vocabulary, I waited for you every fortnight and enjoyed every word that you have written. I love your witty humorous. I’ve been following you since your first blog, (but I wrote you four or five times).My dear teacher how came you are living?, I am sad, I’ll miss you Stephen. I want to whish you and Lucy a very Christmas and have a great New Year ’s Eve and healthy, happy, lot of money :) and successful 2008. (For Lucy: all the very best of luck for your studies and your plans for 2008). Mind you, Stephen, I’m thinking about you should have your own site on internet, mmm? Why not?. (Sorry for all the mistake I made) Good bye my friend.

Saber Salem, Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan
Hi, Stephen, Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and Lucy! I hope you have a nice and happy time in France and wish all the best with Lucy in the UK. However, this is very sad news that you are saying goodbye to this nice program. I have been recently told about this English program run by BBC in which I found your columns very interesting and in my level of English. I really enjoyed reading them. I personally learned a lot and I will recommend this program to my friends at the workplace and outside. Anyhow, since it is your decision to say goodbye to the program and to people who read your columns globally, I wish you and your family all the best and success.

Marianna, Slovakia
Happy Christmas, Stephen! Thank YOU! For such a longish chat! For the help to pass the year and not totaly misspent its time! For bringing questions, pointing at way, rising the irresistible interest up, giving warmth, carrying on in the temtation...Perhaps you wouldn´t put the ´A´ into your examination notes to my name, would you? (Who should I blame for not getting the answer?) Here it is on me to let you know my secret present to you (Lucy?) about my previous words. I am convinced I´ve found in a newspaper interwiew one of your (in to sport and running) readers who comes from my country and proves extraordinarily what a handsome, friendly and capable man looks like. Between you and me if you are interested search among the Nurse of the year 2 OO7, South West Winner. ´D´ is the initial of his name. It won´t be a hard work for the detectiv novels lover, I suppose. Happy 2 OO8! Sincerely to you, Lucy, family and Friends!!!

Ana Paula, Brazil
Hello Dear Stephen!!!It was wonderful share this year with you :-). Every fortnight I´ve come here to read one of your delightful columns. Oh... I´m already missing you :-). Be sure that at midnight of New Year´s Eve I´ll be eating seven grapes in your and Lucy behalf in order that you both may have a good fortune and health in the incoming year. I´ll ask to some friends who will spend the New Year´s Eve on the beach to jump seven sea waves in our behalf, which also brings good luck :-). All the best for you and Lucy. May you both be happy, successful and healthy, always healthy :-). Moreover, I hope we could meet you in the cyberspace again. So... good bye dear teacher and... MERRY CRHISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR STEPHEN!!!!! :-)

Christine, Germany
Dear Stephen,I cannot believe, that this will be your last column. I had so much fun with your special way of writing. I read every column by you, also your blog as a teacher. I like your friendly, open and humerous nature. You let us take part of your live in such a great way. What will you do next? Do you have any plan? Will there be somebody else doing your job?Thank you very much, Stephen! You are great!Very warmest best wishes to you and Lucy and a Happy New Year! At midnight I'll sing " Auld lang syne"...