The holidays are a magical time in the USA with many families honoring traditions each year. Our team shares their favorite holiday tradition, and we encourage our participants to join in our traditions or share their traditions with their fellow exchange visitors and American colleagues.

Marina and Iuliu - President and CFO

As soon as the Thanksgiving festivities wind down, our family dives into a joyful and meaningful Christmas tradition: creating our unique Christmas list. This isn’t just any list; it’s thoughtfully divided into six categories that spark gratitude and the spirit of giving. We think of something we wish for, something we need, something to wear, something to read, a memorable experience to have, and something special to give to someone else. Each gift, carefully chosen, is adorned with a special tag reflecting these categories. This heartwarming tradition transforms our holiday into more than just an exchange of presents; it becomes a celebration of thoughtfulness, gratitude, and the true spirit of the season. In each category, we find little joys and big smiles, reminding us that the essence of the holidays lies in the happiness we share and the love we spread, not just in material possessions. 
Michele - VP of Operations

We have been going to the same farm to pick out a Christmas tree for 13 years. The farm owner has wood poles that they measure and mark the kids’ height on every year. They always put the poles in the same place each year so they are easy to find. I have watched all of my kids grow up once a year when we choose a tree! 

K.Leigh - Director of Seasonal Programs

My family always watches two holiday movies - Christmas with the Kranks (for laughs) and The Holiday (for all the good feels).

Alexandra - International Program Coordinator

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the tree. The whole family gets together at my parent’s house, we put on Christmas music, and we get to look through boxes and boxes of old, handmade, sentimental Christmas ornaments. Most come with a story to tell. Then, at the end, we have a rotating list of who gets to put the angel on the top of the tree. My dad still insists on lifting us onto his shoulders so that we are tall enough to place the angel on top.

Shannon - International Program Coordinator

My favorite holiday tradition with my husband and kids is decorating the Christmas tree while watching our favorite Christmas movie, Elf. Another yearly tradition is to host our entire family on Christmas Eve for dinner, which usually consist of meatball and roast beef sandwiches.

Analys - International Program Coordinator

My favorite family holiday tradition is when my family and I cook a pig! We have a huge wooden box that we heat up and cook for 6 hours. Prior to putting the pig in the box we all spend time making the seasoning and spreading the seasoning on the pig for the cooking. While it cooks for those six hours we all party, dance, sing christmas songs, and enjoy each other’s company while getting ready to eat! My favorite part of this tradition is seeing everyone laugh and share love with each other as it is the holidays and we love sharing love and gratitude with each other.