Swirled into an eclectic, new way of celebration, the Christmas season has become accustomed to numerous traditions from around the world. As families become exposed to unique holiday traditions, it is common to hear of families celebrating more than one holiday.

Jennifer Yang, `09, was born and raised in Taiwan. Yang says that in Asia, New Years celebrations take the place of Christmas, which is not observed.

?New Years lasts for one week,? Yang said. ?The first day is time spent with my dad?s family, then the second day I visit my mom?s family. The third and fourth days are a time to see friends. The rest of the week is when everyone celebrates and gets together with people they know, and gifts are exchanged each day.?

Melissa Foth, `08, was born in Uruguay and remembers the ethnic Christmas celebrations from her childhood.

?My extended family would all come to our house and we would have a potluck at around 10 P.M.,? Foth said. “Then at midnight we would go outside to celebrate and watch fireworks, since it was summer. By the time we came back inside, Santa had left our presents and we opened them.?

Elise Porter, `11, celebrates a traditional Christmas each year with her family, but adds a spicy twist.

?The day after Thanksgiving, my family puts on holiday music, which is all we listen to from then until the 25th,? Porter said. “We put up lights outside the house and decorations inside with a tree. On Christmas, lots of my family gets together at my grandparents’ house. For dinner we eat turkey and enchiladas.?

Kiranpreet Singh, `08, is a follower of the Sikh religion and observes Punjabi holidays.

?In August, Indians celebrate a special holiday called Diwali,? Singh said, ?which commemorates India?s independence. To celebrate, we go to church where we recite prayers. Afterwards we watch fireworks go off. Sometimes we have wheat laddu, which is an Indian desert. It is made of sugar, flower, butter and dried fruit.?

No matter what holiday students celebrate, food unites them all and brings pleasure.

?On New Years, we eat dumplings, fish, rice and vegetables,? Yang said. ?To make dumplings, which are also called pot stickers, we boil them in hot water. It is a really delicious meal.?

Regardless of names, the holiday season is a time to spread cheer, be thankful and spend time with friends and family.

“All cultures have different beliefs,” Jaime Duzi, ’11, said, “but they all emphasize spending time with family and eating.”