8 Ways to Integrate Your Exchange Student's Culture into Holiday Celebrations

One of the best parts of hosting an exchange student (and yes, we know there are many) is sharing your culture and learning about theirs. But why not take it a step further and incorporate some of their cultural traditions into your holiday celebrations? Make this season extra special for you and your exchange student by sharing your holiday traditions.

Learn about Their Holiday Traditions

Ask your exchange student about the holidays they celebrate back home. What is the history of that holiday? What stories do they tell around it? Do they have a holiday greeting in their language, the way we say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? Learning about your exchange student's holiday traditions will help you incorporate them into your celebrations!

Celebrate Their Holiday

Participate in your exchange student's home holiday traditions by celebrating them together. If your student's culture celebrates a holiday during the holiday season, consider incorporating some of their traditions into your celebrations. If they celebrate holidays not commonly observed in the U.S., make an effort to recognize those as well. This could involve cooking a special dinner together, participating in a cultural activity, or simply learning about the holiday's significance.

Cook Traditional Dishes

Food is a universal language that brings people together. The holidays are the perfect time to explore the flavors and culinary traditions of your exchange student's culture! Start by asking them about the foods they associate with holiday celebrations back home. What dishes are a must-have? Bond with them by cooking some of these together. Bonus: you'll learn how to cook a new dish, and they'll feel more at home during the holidays!

Decorate with Cultural Elements

Incorporate decorations that reflect your exchange student's culture. If there is a specific color or symbol related to their holiday, add it to your holiday decor. For example, consider adding some diyas (small oil lamps) if they celebrate Diwali. If they are from Japan, a simple, elegant touch like origami ornaments can make them feel at home. Consider making handmade decorations together that represent your student's culture.

Create a Custom Tradition Together

Invent a new tradition that blends both cultures. You could create a DIY craft project like handmade decorations representing both traditions or create an entirely new holiday dish combining your favorite traditional foods. Try hosting a multicultural cookie decorating night where you decorate cookies with symbols and colors representing your and your exchange student's holidays.

Attend Cultural Events

Look for local events or festivals that celebrate your exchange student's culture. Some examples include workshops, such as crafting lanterns for the Lunar New Year or baking traditional European cookies, concerts or dance performances featuring a theme from your student's culture, or religious or spiritual observances, such as a Hannukah lighting or visiting a temple. Attending these events together can help them feel a sense of community and belonging. And you'll have fun experiencing something new with your family! 

Exchange Stories about Traditions

Invite your exchange student to share stories about how they celebrate the holidays back home. This is sure to spark fun conversations about holiday family traditions and what makes them so special. Encourage your exchange student to share specific memories of how they celebrate the holidays with their family and friends back home. Consider asking questions like "Are there any special foods or drinks your family always prepares for the holidays?" or "Is there a story or legend tied to your holiday traditions?" Make sure to share stories about why your family follows certain customs. These personal stories will help you feel more connected with your exchange student.

Play Holiday Games Together

Ask your exchange student to share holiday games from their culture. If they don't know any, you can learn some together! Share some of your favorite holiday games or activities with them as well. You can build multiculturally-themed gingerbread houses together or show them how to play holiday games (for example, the dreidel game if you celebrate Hannukah). 

Make your exchange student feel like part of your family this holiday season by integrating their culture into your celebrations. Combining your traditions with theirs will create a meaningful and inclusive holiday experience that honors cultural differences. Happy celebrating!