HOFT is Celebrating the Holidays
It is the most wonderful time of the year… and our students are ready to bask in the holiday spirit. From Peru to Japan, Jordan to Brazil and Mexico, our students are from all over the world and share how they celebrate the holidays. Some will experience the winter season in the U.S. for the first time! Read on to find out more about old and new traditions of our international students.
Check out the Austin Christmas Guide for fun things to do in December!
ALEJANDRA - MEXICO
How do you celebrate the holidays in your country?
Posada : A religious festival that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter during their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
What do you look forward to this Holiday Season?
To take my children to see the Christmas decorations and have dinner with family
ANA - BRAZIL
How do you celebrate the holidays in your country?
Go to grandma’s home and have a big dinner with family (The main dish is turkey). We exchange the gifts through a game named ‘Secret Friend’.
What do you look forward to this Holiday Season?
To do the same thing as I did in Brazil (have dinner with family and exchange gifts). And I also want to do the ‘Secret Friend’ at HOFT!
SANTIAGO - PERU
How do you celebrate the holidays in your country?
Stay awake on Christmas Eve and say “Merry Christmas” at Midnight on the 25th.
What do you look forward to this Holiday Season?
To visit California and meet my family.
MIWA - JAPAN
How do you celebrate the holidays in your country?
Eat Kentucky Fried Chicken and exchange gifts.
What do you look forward to this Holiday Season?
To go to Universal Studios in Hollywood!
EMERAN - JORDAN
How do you celebrate the holidays in your country?
During the holy month of Ramadan, which occurs on the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, all Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days.
The act of fasting is meant to remind Muslims of the less fortunate and to reinforce the need to be thankful. As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and travelers are exempt.
After Ramadan, Muslims celebrate a three-day holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr.
After this Eid ("celebration"), Muslims pray the holiday prayer in congregation in the morning, visit family and friends, and celebrate over food, gifts and activities for children.
This month is called Ramadan
What do you look forward to this Holiday Season?
Go downtown and see the Christmas decorations. Also, I want to go to Miami.
