Share the joy at the International Student Christmas Party
Celebrate the holidays with
friends, food and fun! The
Corporate Communication and
Public Relations program, in partnership
with the International
Office, is hosting this year's
International Student Christmas
Party to celebrate the festivities.
Recently, I had the pleasure of
talking to one of the event organizers
about celebrating the season.
Could you please tell us about yourself?
“I am Satish and am studying Corporate Communication and Public Relations. I originally hail from Mumbai, India.”
Being both a student of the CCPR program and an international student, you have the interesting position of being an organizer of the event and a member of its target audience. How has that experience been so far?
“It has been pretty smooth. I feel more motivated to work toward the event and make it a success.”
In your experience, what similarities and differences are there between Christmas celebrations in Canada and Christmas celebrations in India?
“Christmas celebrations vary in terms of food and clothing, but the spirit remains the same. Families and friends spend quality time together. Houses are decorated with Christmas trees, bells, and lights. On Christmas morning, children run to the tree to find gifts that Santa Claus has left for them. You will find plum cakes everywhere; they are famous! Markets take on a colourful look days before the festival. Churches hold midnight masses. Carols are sung. Christmas has assumed secular overtones and is joyfully celebrated by people from all religions and communities.
“Customs for Christmas celebrations vary in different parts of India because of the local cultural influence. In many states of India, people decorate banana or mango trees instead of traditional pine trees. In South India, Christians light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their house similar to the way Hindus decorate during the Diwali festival. In Mumbai, which has one of the largest Roman Catholic communities in India, they depict nativity scenes and decorate homes with big stars. The most exhilarating celebration is in the vivacious state of Goa. The carnival preceding Lent is the most important event there. It is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”
Why do you believe International students should attend the Christmas party?
“It will give them exposure to the Canadian style of celebrating Christmas. Also, it is an opportunity to get together and make new friends. It is a time to get rid of the differences across cultures by sharing experiences with each other in a mutually enriching way.”
Would you recommend that Canadian students attend the party as well?
“Canadian students should attend the Christmas party. It will be an opportunity for them to meet international students, explore similarities and form personal connections with them. They can try to understand the perspective of students from different cultures and extract the positive qualities from the differences.”
Share the joy! Join us for the International Student Christmas Party on November 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the James A. Colvin Atrium in B building. Tickets are on sale in front of the International Office (E2025) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, check out the Facebook event at tinyurl.com/CCPRdinner13.
Could you please tell us about yourself?
“I am Satish and am studying Corporate Communication and Public Relations. I originally hail from Mumbai, India.”
Being both a student of the CCPR program and an international student, you have the interesting position of being an organizer of the event and a member of its target audience. How has that experience been so far?
“It has been pretty smooth. I feel more motivated to work toward the event and make it a success.”
In your experience, what similarities and differences are there between Christmas celebrations in Canada and Christmas celebrations in India?
“Christmas celebrations vary in terms of food and clothing, but the spirit remains the same. Families and friends spend quality time together. Houses are decorated with Christmas trees, bells, and lights. On Christmas morning, children run to the tree to find gifts that Santa Claus has left for them. You will find plum cakes everywhere; they are famous! Markets take on a colourful look days before the festival. Churches hold midnight masses. Carols are sung. Christmas has assumed secular overtones and is joyfully celebrated by people from all religions and communities.
“Customs for Christmas celebrations vary in different parts of India because of the local cultural influence. In many states of India, people decorate banana or mango trees instead of traditional pine trees. In South India, Christians light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their house similar to the way Hindus decorate during the Diwali festival. In Mumbai, which has one of the largest Roman Catholic communities in India, they depict nativity scenes and decorate homes with big stars. The most exhilarating celebration is in the vivacious state of Goa. The carnival preceding Lent is the most important event there. It is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”
Why do you believe International students should attend the Christmas party?
“It will give them exposure to the Canadian style of celebrating Christmas. Also, it is an opportunity to get together and make new friends. It is a time to get rid of the differences across cultures by sharing experiences with each other in a mutually enriching way.”
Would you recommend that Canadian students attend the party as well?
“Canadian students should attend the Christmas party. It will be an opportunity for them to meet international students, explore similarities and form personal connections with them. They can try to understand the perspective of students from different cultures and extract the positive qualities from the differences.”
Share the joy! Join us for the International Student Christmas Party on November 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the James A. Colvin Atrium in B building. Tickets are on sale in front of the International Office (E2025) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, check out the Facebook event at tinyurl.com/CCPRdinner13.
