It’s no secret that Christmas is around the corner. The lights are up, Starbucks has their signature Christmas concoctions available. Most Americans take all the merry festivities for granted, maybe even getting tired of the holiday season with age. But for some of Lipscomb’s students, our typical celebrations are far from what they’re used to.
Amelia Ong, a sophomore Communications and Education major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of these students. Her favorite Christmas pastime is putting up the tree.
“We have no pine trees, so everything is artificial,” she said. “I love putting it up with my sister, it’s definitely a tradition we try to do together every year.”
Malaysia’s traditions don’t seem to be very different from American traditions.
“Everything is as commercialized as it is here. Everyone celebrated the Santa Claus side of Christmas, but only the Christians celebrate the nativity.”
Ong noted the differences she enjoys the most are fireplaces and real trees in th U.S.
“[In Malaysia], it’s too hot for either,” Ong said.
She also aded that in her country, people also celebrate Boxing Day, which is the day they open presents.
“I tend to use Christmas as a time to ground myself and remember the real reason for the season, which isn’t one of presents but about Jesus,” Ong said.
Ong isn’t able to return home this year for break. She says what she’ll miss the most this year is her family and putting up the tree with her sister.
“My dad is actually coming to America on a business trip next year. It’s my Christmas wish to be able to see him.”
Amanda Roehrkasse, a junior Chemistry major from Hildesheim, Germany has an interesting mix of cultures. She is a daughter of missionary parents who are from American but has lived in Germany most of her life.
Her favorite part of the German culture around this time of year is all the different things they do for the Advent.
“They set up little Christmas markets in all the town squares with little stands selling roasted almonds, hot cocoa, hand-made crafts and other Christmas treats,” Roehrkasse said. “They even have little rides like they would have at an amusement park.”
Her favorite American tradition is that this country actually holds Christmas on Dec. 25, while Germany holds it on Christmas Eve. She notes that the biggest difference between our cultures is that there is no Santa Claus in Germany, the “Christkind” or Christ child is the one to bring the presents!
Roehrkasse is not able to make it home for break either and is really missing her family but excited about the holidays just the same.