SPONSORED

The very first Christmas I have been really into began with me putting up the Christmas inflatables in front of the house even a month in advance (right after Halloween ended). I was really excited to witness the real celebrations of Christmas in the United States. In 2021, I was hoping that I would celebrate my Christmas and New Year in the United States. Fortunately, it did happen! The real excitement began when we put up the first Christmas tree at our house. During the entire break period, our house was filled with the chatter of the little kids who had come from Los Angeles to spend their break in their grandmother’s house (our host mom). We had so much fun making cookies and decorating them with the kids. We wrote the names of all of us on the cookies.

On the very day of Christmas, our house was filled with people We had a good time together eating and playing I gave different Indian ornaments as presents to my host mom, host dad, host uncle, host aunt, host sister, and the other little kids I was pleased that they loved all of them Especially the beautiful bangles I gave my aunt. I got a pair of sandals from my sister, a book from my friend, a $25 worth Starbucks card from my host dad and a ‘granddaughter’ bracelet from my host mom. It was all amazing.

One more day worth mentioning is the day when we had a Christmas party with our local exchange students' group on the top of a hill. We started the party by eating all the stuff that each of us brought I took Indian sweets with me We played WHITE ELEPHANT EXCHANGE. So much fun. Then came the most exciting part- ice skating. I loved it to infinity. I fell down four times and watched my friends fall down It was hilarious! We returned back only late at night.

I would love to thank my host family and local volunteers for making my dreams come true.