Cultural Happenings: Holiday Ornaments

Every December, homes across the United States sparkle with colorful lights, festive garlands, and one of the season’s most cherished symbols — the holiday ornament. From artisan creations to department store baubles to handmade designs, each ornament tells a story. For our exchange visitors beginning their Summer Work Travel exchange program in this magical month, we utilized the YMCA of the Rockies’ craft house to paint ceramic ornaments. Each year, as they decorate for the holidays and uncover this ornament again, they are reminded of their season of life and learning in the USA.

This ornament painting event became much more than a simple craft; it was cultural exchange in action. Our exchange visitors selected ornament shapes tied to American holiday traditions and infused them with their own cultural flair, incorporating elements like their flag’s colors and symbol. As we painted together, we traded stories about holiday celebrations in both the USA and Argentina, while enjoying classic American treats such as candy canes, peppermint chocolate, and snickerdoodle peanut butter cups.

After the paint dried and the pieces were fired in the kiln, each participant had a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Beyond its artistic value, that tiny ornament is a reminder of moments shared with their exchange family, cross-cultural discovery, and a special season spent abroad.