I’m Mathias E. from Germany. I participated in the Christmas International House in 1999. Together with eleven international students from all over the world (Japan, Singapore, Korea, Russia, Azerbaijan, Taiwan) I spent two wonderful weeks in Washington D.C.

 

For over 10 years Mrs. Eleanore M. has organized the hostage for international students during the Christmas time. Due to her great engagement supported by many host families she has made this time for me to an unforgettable event.

 

Each student including myself celebrated Christmas with a host family. So I got the unique chance to experience an American Christmas with a very nice family, a richly decorated Christmas tree, eggnog (a really sweet sin), radiant angle chimes, wonderful Christmas music, bacon, pumpkin pie, much candy and a wonderful Christmas Eve service.

 

Moreover there were many common activities of the international students. So our group visited for instance:

 

·     The White House with the official Christmas tree of the President

·     The Mall with the Washington Monument

·     American Gallery of Art

·     Museum of American History

·     Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the bucks are printed here)

·     A middle school in Maryland

·     Jefferson Memorial

·     Lincoln Memorial

·     Vietnam War Memorial and Korea War Memorial

·     Air and Space Museum

·     The Capitol

·     Kennedy Center

·     National Cathedral

 

Additionally, I had the occasion to get acquaint with many other host families of CIH during many parties. So I could figure out that there are many common Christmas customs but also a few differences. Although the program seems very crowded I also had time to relax and to explore Washington D.C. by myself.

 

I want to say thank you to Ms. M, my host family and all others who helped to create such a wonderful program.