Author: Project Coordinator

Dear Students,

Merry Christmas! Is this your first Christmas season in the U.S. or one of many? It’s a special time of year with concerts, parties, shopping, gifts, cookies, lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. We celebrate Christ’s birth, sing carols, listen to holiday music, and spend time with family and friends. It’s a nice break from school too! We are happy that you are here to enjoy the the sights, sounds, and joy of giving.

Your host family and friends are excited to share their Christmas traditions with you. Have you thought about sharing your holiday traditions with them?  

Here are some ideas for sharing your traditions with your host family:

Fun with Food

• Cook or share a special dish from your country (Moon cookies, dumplings, tapas, seafood, pasta, Pho, or Christmas Cake). 
• Go to a restaurant to talk about and share your favorite food.
• Show a video or pictures of traditional holiday food and treats.

Holiday Activities

• Create holiday decorations together (Lanterns, Stars, Piñatas, Chuang Hua Papercutting, Nativities).
• Share a traditional song, dance, or story.  
• Watch a movie or a documentary about your country.

Show and Tell

• Talk about how your family celebrates a holiday. 
• Draw or paint a picture of a holiday memory.
• Dress in fun holiday clothing.

Gifts and Time Together

• Spend time together. Getting to know you is a gift to your host family.
• Teach part of your culture with a language or writing lesson.
• Give a handmade ornament or a traditional gift.

Enjoy the Christmas season! Take time to learn more about each other and share your culture. For your host family, friends, and you, this Christmas is extra special because you are celebrating together.

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay