As the winter holidays approach, many of us eagerly anticipate the time spent with our loved ones. But the festive season isn’t just about family—it’s also about the community we build together. That’s why, on December 6th, the Welcome Centre for International Scholars hosted a Christmas Party to celebrate this special time of year with our academic “family”.
For those who are new to our community, let me, Ranjodh, guide you through the highlights of this enchanting event. And for those who’ve been here a while, let this be a cheerful reminder of the joy we shared.
The first thing that caught everyone’s attention? The food—because let’s face it, a party is incomplete without it. The Welcome Centre embraced the diversity of our international community by inviting attendees to bring traditional dishes from their home countries. The result? A feast of sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy delights that left no one hungry!
Of course, no Czech Christmas party would be complete without its local culinary staples. From the creamy potato salad—a staple of the Czech Christmas dinner—to the festive treats like Vánočka (a traditional braided sweet bread) and a variety of Christmas sweets, there was something to delight every palate. Attendees even had the chance to roll up their sleeves and create their own desserts: coconut meringues (kokosové kuličky), cocoa beehives (včelí úly), and beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies (perníčky). After all, food tastes even sweeter when you’ve made it yourself.
The festivities didn’t stop at the table. Guests could unleash their creativity at the craft station, making Christmas decorations or helping little ones colour festive drawings. Meanwhile, the adventurous participated in the Christmas Tradition Treasure Hunt, discovering fascinating Czech folklore and superstitions. Did you know you can predict your future by cutting an apple, tossing a shoe, or floating a walnut shell with a candle? And have you ever wondered what a carp shell or a golden pig symbolizes? These quirky traditions added an extra layer of charm to the celebration.
As the evening unfolded, the lights dimmed, and the sound of bells announced the arrival of Baby Jesus (Ježíšek), who brought gifts for the children. Adults weren’t left out either—our Secret Santa exchange ensured everyone had something to smile about.
To top it off, we sang the Czech Christmas carol Štědrý večer nastal together. Pro tip for newcomers: the lyrics were written in the Bohemian dialect, where “ý” is pronounced as “ej.” It’s a distinctive touch that made the sing-along even more memorable!
As the party drew to a close, guests sipped mulled wine and shared how to say “Merry Christmas” in their native languages, writing the phrases on a board alongside “Veselé Vánoce.” It was a heartwarming way to reflect the spirit of unity and diversity that makes our community so special.
Whether you were there in person or are experiencing it through these words, the Christmas Party was a joyful reminder of the warmth and camaraderie we share. From all of us at the Welcome Centre: Happy Holidays, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you again!