Winter holidays in the U.S. are magical, especially if you’re lucky enough to experience them in a snowy, cozy setting. For exchange students, it’s a time to embrace American traditions, bond with your host family, and enjoy the warmth of the season. Whether it’s skiing in the mountains, baking cookies, or decorating the tree, the winter holidays offer a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.Snowy Adventures and Cozy Evenings
In many parts of the U.S., winter means snow—lots of it! Picture stepping outside to a white winter wonderland with snow-covered trees and crisp, cold air. The snowy outdoors brings lots of activities. Skiing, sledding, and snowball fights are all common winter pastimes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, it’s a blast hitting the slopes during the holidays and then warming up with a cozy evening by the fire.
Family Traditions
The holiday season in the U.S. is full of traditions, from baking cookies to decorating the Christmas tree. Many exchange students get to take part in these special moments with their host families, creating lasting memories. Baking holiday treats, like gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies, is a favorite activity for American families, and decorating the tree with lights and ornaments adds to the festive atmosphere.
There’s something about these traditions that makes you feel right at home, even if you’re far from your own family.
Student Story from Alexander, 17 y/o
“Hi, I’m Alexander, and spending my first winter holiday in the U.S. was a great experience. I live in Washington, where it was really cold and snowy during the holidays. But even though it was freezing outside, it was always warm and cozy inside because my host family had a fireplace. One of the best parts of the holiday was going skiing with my older host brother, Max, who was home from college. I had never skied before, so Max taught me, and we had a blast on the slopes. After a day in the snow, coming back to a warm house felt amazing.
We also spent a lot of together as a family time baking cookies and decorating the Christmas tree together. I loved how festive everything looked with all the lights and ornaments, and it made me feel like I was part of something special.”