Many international students in the US are faced with a difficult decision around the winter holidays: it’s very expensive to visit home but they’re not sure how to use their winter break otherwise. If you chose to remain in the US, this guide is intended to help you make the most out of winter vacation.

1. Discover how Americans Celebrate the Winter Holidays

Winter break is timed to coincide with Christmas – one of the major Christian holidays. Not everyone in the US celebrates Christmas specifically, but because it’s so common for students to have off from school and adults to have off from work, that families often do something to celebrate that time together. Holiday traditions in the US are often not that different from what you would do at home. Americans like to prepare food and gather for dinner with family and friends. Baking is a tradition long-associated with the holidays. Cookies, pies and other sweet deserts are commonly made. Some families will be attending church on Christmas Eve, and some will not.

Americans like to decorate their Christmas tree and put up decorations around the house. You will be amazed by the magical decorations on display in the suburbs. Driving through neighborhoods just to see all the Christmas displays is a common holiday activity. If you’re in Madison, Olin Park has a drive-thru display you should check out.

Another popular way to celebrate Christmas, often with work colleagues or a group of friends, is the Secret Santa exchange of gifts. People in the group buy and receive fun gifts without knowing who their “Secret Santa” is. The gifts will usually be something funny, or limited to a certain amount of money.

2. Take a Christmas trip

Winter break is a perfect time to visit some of the places you’ve always wanted to see in the US. Lots of cities in the US undergo a huge transformation as Christmas approaches. You will find special events, carolers singing outside on the street and magical Christmas markets almost anywhere you go, so it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit through traveling.

Considering it’s winter, you may want to tailor your trip for winter activities. You could celebrate Christmas by treating yourself to one of the US’s many ski resorts, or soak in the magic of New York City by taking pictures of the gigantic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center, or ice skating in Central Park. Or simply take the opportunity to go on any trips you’ve been wishing to make. Try doing something different and make sure you will always remember the fun you had while celebrating your first Christmas in the US.

3. Celebrate Christmas with other students

Remember that there are lots of other students in the same situation as you. Many international students remain on campus over the winter break, so why not get together and do something fun? Maybe you can’t get to your family this winter break, but you can still create that warming atmosphere even if you are far from home. 

Probably other students are just as confused and shy as you are, so take the initiative to make some plans. Ask everyone to cook something representative of the traditions in their own country, to decorate, or prepare Christmas carols or games. It is also very possible that your university will organize activities for students over the Christmas break.

Ask your American friends what their families are doing for the holidays. Don’t feel shy about asking if you can tag along! Many American families will love showing an international student how they celebrate.

4. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter

The holidays are a peak time for charitable giving and many nonprofits hold large events to support those who need help. This means there are a ton of volunteer opportunities around this time of year and it is a very American thing to give your time to a charity. This is your chance to give back to your new community and make new friends in the process. Remember there are plenty of other international students who are in the same boat as you, so ask them if they would like to join you.

Would-be volunteers can find opportunities in the Madison region by searching on volunteeryourtime.org, which is sponsored by the United Way of Dane County with the UW-Madison Morgridge Center, Madison Area Technical College and Edgewood College.

5. Share your own traditions

The fact that you are celebrating Christmas in the US doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy traditions from back home. You will learn lots of things if you get invited to spend the holidays with an American friend, but it’s also nice to show your friends what and how you celebrate in your own culture!

You can enjoy the traditions you are used to no matter where you are. Maybe you are not able to be with your own family in the comfort of your home, but you can plan a Christmas dinner with other students from your campus. It will probably be a lot bigger than the family dinners at home, and definitely a Christmas to remember. Sitting around a table and enjoying the flavors of home with your new study abroad friends is a great way of feeling the holiday spirit.

6. Attend the International Christmas Party & Potluck!

Want to meet some other international students in the Madison area? Want to learn more about Christmas traditions in the US? Want to practice your English conversation skills? Come to the International Christmas Party and Potluck! It’s at 944 E. Gorham St. on Friday Dec 20th from 6 to 8pm. There will be a nativity story, cookies, Christmas decorations, a visit from Santa, Christmas carols and so much more! Plus chicken wings and pizza will be served.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at jeanrene@cpcmadison.org or (608) 217-3008