Five international students attending Pratt Community College (PCC) shared holiday traditions in their native countries. Let’s take an overseas tour with them!

Svenja Arnold gave an interesting account of holiday customs in her native Switzerland. Christmas is an important holiday there. There is a tree, and there are presents as well. The whole family celebrates together, usually on December 24th. “It is all about the family, and of course, food!”, she said. One of the main dishes she mentioned is Raclette. This is described online as cheese being heated and the  melting part being shaved off onto certain types of food, such as meat, or vegetables. Apparently, sweets are not emphasized; the focus is on the main dishes. Laughing,  she told us, “Of course, ice cream is always included!” 

When asked about chocolate, more laughter ensued. She admitted that chocolate is a big thing in Switzerland, especially Toblerone. It’s shape is thought to represent the Matterhorn Mountain. However, at Christmas, chocolate is thought of more as a gift to give, rather than eating it. 

Christmas time weather is snowy- “real winter” as she says. From central Switzerland, in a valley area with mountains on both sides, Svenja does like it here, saying it’s good to see something different- but she does miss the mountains!

This Swiss miss is majoring in Health and Physical Education and is on the PCC soccer team. She will go home for summer and winter breaks. When asked about homesickness, she replied that there’s no time to be homesick, between school and soccer. “My team is like my family here… I’m in good hands here.”