|
St. Margaret’s is proud to be a global community with 36 international students representing 10 countries. We asked these students about Christmas celebrations in their country and how it compares to the United States.
Honami Arai ’09, Japan
Even though the majority of Japanese people have no religion, we still celebrate Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we have a special dinner with family and friends. Santa Claus also gives presents to children. New Year’s is a bigger celebration than Christmas. In the United States, I like the way everyone, including adults, exchanges presents. I was also surprised that some Americans cut their own Christmas tree!
Lissy Sanchez ’13, Mexico
Christmas traditions in Mexico are the same as in America. We have a big dinner and gift exchange. Before dinner, its traditional for half of the family to go outside and sing a song to get back in. The dinner consists of a ham, fish stew, fruit salad, nuts and fruits for appetizers, and much more. The children put a letter to Santa on the Christmas tree.
Yang Nan (Yolanda) ’12, China
In China, people usually don’t celebrate Christmas. I think Americans celebrate Christmas because of their religious beliefs. It’s a reminder to be the best person you can be. In some Christmas songs you can get that idea. Christmas must be the best time of year for children because they want to get presents from Santa.
Amelia Chen ’10, Taiwan
At home, we don’t go to church on Christmas day because my family doesn’t have a religion. However, we do decorate the Christmas tree, exchange gifts and go out to dinner. At my old school, we didn’t have Christmas break like we do here but we did prepare performances and the entire school celebrated together. I like the way Americans celebrate Christmas and look forward to it. The decorations make the town look extraordinary!
Seung-Min Oh (Cecilia) ’13, Korea
I celebrate Christmas at home. We decorate Christmas trees and have our own little party. We bake cookies, give presents to each other and sing Christmas carols. Since the U.S. celebration is similar to what we do in Korea, it’s been very familiar. I think it is terrific to celebrate like this.
Heemin Lee ’10, Korea
We usually don’t celebrate Christmas, but we do have a nice dinner together. I stayed at one of my teacher’s houses during Christmas my freshman year. I think Americans love to share happy moments together. On Christmas day, my teacher’s family visited, we ate a good meal, gave presents to each other and laughed. My teacher’s family even gave me a present, which I never expected.
|
 |
|
