Discover the heartwarming reasons why host families and exchange students love sharing the holiday season, creating a tapestry of traditions and memories that transcends borders.
Over the River & Through the Woods to Find a Christmas Tree
Host families and exchange students find joy in sharing a family tradition by venturing to the mountains together, cutting down a Christmas tree, and infusing the holiday season with the crisp scent of evergreen.
Cayetana from Spain with the Colvin family in Wyoming
Giovana from Italy joined the Dutcher family in Michigan in the search for the perfect tree.
Cultural Exchange: Learning and Sharing Traditions
For exchange students, being a big brother or sister means more than just a sibling bond—it's an opportunity to delve into cultural exchanges, understanding each other's backgrounds, and blending diverse holiday traditions into a rich tapestry of shared experiences.
Host mom Jen says, "My children are especially loving having a big sister, learning about her culture, and sharing our traditions with her. "
Jenni from Finland with the Scaturro family in New York
Jan from the Netherlands teaches his host brother the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas as they celebrate the season in Michigan.
Whisking Up Joy: Baking Up a Christmas Storm
Christmas baking becomes a delightful affair as host families and exchange students whip up batches of festive treats, filling homes with the sweet aroma of cookies, cakes, and cherished family recipes.
Mencía from Spain bakes up some holiday treats with her host sister in California.
Jingle All the Way: Celebrating in Christmas Attire
It's not just the halls that get "decked" at Christmastime! From festive Christmas pajamas to the hilarious ugly sweater fad, host families and exchange students revel in the joy of donning their holiday attire.
Adesia from Italy joined the Williams family at their ugly sweater party in Minnesota
Lola from France and her host siblings in their festive holiday pajamas. Lola is having a Merry Christmas with the Voight family in Wisconsin.
The Meyers family include Emma from Italy in their festive family outfits as they ring in the holiday in Indiana.
Believing in the Magic: Santa Sightings and Childhood Delight
The magic of the holiday season comes alive as exchange students experience the joy of seeing Santa, reliving childhood wonder, and creating timeless memories in a new cultural setting.
Anna from Spain pays a visit to Santa with her host siblings in Illinois.
After a tour of the Christmas Village & Lights, Lotte from Germany greets Santa with her host family in Minnesota.
Trimming More Than Just Branches: Fostering Connections while Decorating
Trimming the tree takes on a deeper meaning as host families and exchange students come together, not just to adorn branches, but to forge connections and build a shared sense of belonging.
Parawisa from Thailand trims the tree with the Jones family in Alabama.
Liza from France says her favorite holiday moment was decorating the Christmas tree! She's enjoying the holiday season with the Bates family in Illinois.
Ajeeta from France started the Christmas festivities over Thanksgiving weekend with her extended host family in Texas.
Giorgia from Italy got into the decorating spirit with the Lovejoy family in Wisconsin.
Glowing Marvels: Delighting in the Beauty of Holiday Lights
The simple joy of seeing the neighborhood adorned with twinkling lights becomes a shared experience, as host families and exchange students take in the beauty of holiday displays together.
Maria from Spain loved the Bentleyville Tour of Lights with her host family in Minnesota.
Noa from Spain was thrilled to experience the Christmas lights at the Opryland Hotel with her host family in Tennessee.
Sweet Creations: Building Gingerbread Houses and Memories
Making gingerbread houses becomes a festive art form, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the holiday season as host families and exchange students create sweet structures and lasting memories.
Guillermo from Spain made his first gingerbread house with his host family, the Gadsbys, and their friends from church in Ohio.
High School Extravaganza: Jingle Bell Ball and Dazzling Celebrations
The high school Jingle Bell Ball is a special way to celebrate the season with friends from school.
Jeanne from France had a ball at her school's Jingle Bell Ball in Oklahoma.
Neighborhood Cheers: Spreading Holiday Joy at Community Gatherings
From the neighborhood Christmas party to baking exchanges, host families and exchange students actively participate in community festivities, spreading holiday joy and building connections beyond their home.
The Van Mierlo family enjoyed taking Emma (Germany) to several fun Christmas parties in Missouri.
Maria from Spain is ready to head to a Christmas party with the Storey family in Wyoming.
This is just a small taste of the sweet experiences our students are enjoying across the country.
What's your favorite holiday tradition? Share by commenting below!
