Students, faculty, and staff from the World Languages and Cultures department along with the Latinx Organization for Achievement (LOA) gathered for a joint Holiday Party. More than 70 students from different language courses came to try foods prepared by the language clubs.
Chinese Club made steamed dumplings and pork buns, foods traditionally eaten around the time of Lunar New Year. French Club had a made-to-order crepe table where students could watch their crepes being cooked and assembled right in front of them. German Club brought Nussecken, a sweet chocolate and nut bar as well as non-alcoholic Gluehwein, or mulled wine, both traditionally enjoyed for Christmas. LOA and the Spanish Club had marshmallopeñas, marshmallows with a sweet, coconutty topping. Students were able to sample foods from each group and get a taste of what the holiday season is like around the world.
Along with foods, students were able to enjoy music from different cultures, a Christmas-tradition themed Kahoot, coloring pages for the traditional Scandinavian Dala horse, and a crafting station for German Christmas stars, Herrnhutersterne.
The party also featured a surprise visit from St. Nikolaus. Nikolaus walked around and talked to students, seeing if they had been behaving this year. For students who had been good, St. Nikolaus offered bon-bons, or sweets.
World Languages and Cultures hosts a holiday party each year to introduce students to cultural activities for Christmas and the New Year that they might otherwise not experience. One of the most popular departmental events, the holiday party continues to have more attendees each year. The department is looking forward to inviting even more students for next year’s holiday party!
Written by Emma Skuza, World Languages and Cultures administrative assistant