Winter break is here, and it's the perfect time to slow down from the school routine. With a few weeks off, you and your exchange student can make the most of your time together with activities that might not fit into a busy school schedule.
Here are some ideas to help you celebrate the season!
Share Holiday Traditions
Invite your exchange student into your family's holiday traditions, whether it's decorating the tree, cooking a special family recipe, or celebrating in your special way. Don't forget to ask about their traditions back home, too!
Try a Winter Sport
If you live in a snowy area, take advantage of it. Take your exchange student ice skating, sledding, or skiing. For warmer climates, look for an indoor rink or try something new like roller skating. Don't forget the post-activity hot chocolate!
Explore Local Holiday Lights or Holiday Markets
Take your exchange student to a local Christmas market, winter festival, or holiday light display. Enjoy the smell of hot cocoa and the sparkle of twinkling lights. If you're at a Christmas market, sample some treats and show your exchange student how your community celebrates the holidays.
Volunteer Together
Participating in community service shows your exchange student the American spirit of giving back. Whether you volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, or holiday toy drive, it's a meaningful way to spend time together and give back during the holiday season.
Take a Day Trip
Plan a short road trip to a nearby city, landmark, or winter attraction. Visiting new places helps your student experience more of the U.S. Let them help you plan where to go!
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Get creative in the kitchen and decorate some gingerbread houses. You can buy kits at most grocery stores or make everything from scratch if you're feeling ambitious. The end results are always entertaining!
Attend a Sports Game
Whether it's a local basketball game or a professional hockey match, sports are a big part of American culture and make for a fun family outing. Explain the rules and teach your exchange student some cheers.
Cook a Meal from Their Home Country
Ask your exchange student to teach you how to make a favorite dish from home. Shop for ingredients together, let them lead in the kitchen, and enjoy a taste of their culture. This also gives them a taste of home during the holidays.
Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
Make some popcorn, grab some snacks, and have a cozy movie night with American holiday classics like "Elf," "Home Alone," or "It's a Wonderful Life". Ask your exchange student to share their favorite holiday film from their country, too.
Set up a Hot Cocoa Bar
Stock up on marshmallows, whipped cream, and toppings for a fun twist on this winter favorite. Let everyone customize their perfect cup. It's a simple activity to plan, and is a great activity for bonding with the family.
Winter break doesn't have to be packed with expensive activities or elaborate plans. The most important thing is spending quality time together and making your exchange student feel like a valued member of your family. Whether you choose activities from this bucket list or create your own, you and your exchange student will have a blast celebrating this season together.
