Winter Blues? Time for a Cookie Swap Party!

Final Exams can be very stressful, and sugar is a great way to fuel the late night studying! We had our Annual Cookie Swap Party and Secret Santa gift exchange to have some fun at the end of the quarter!

Sura, one of our Level 5 students, was in the giving spirit and brought two dishes! She invented a cookie caramel dish and shared her Saudi culture by baking triangular cheese pastries. So much yum!

 

After everyone had eaten plenty of cookies, it was time for the Secret Santa gift exchange! The students drew names of classmates and didn’t tell them. Then, the gifts were placed on a table and students found their names on the presents. They were so excited to see what they got and guess who their Secret Santa was.

Some of the gifts were very unique, like a three-foot-long Snickers candy bar or a Buddha hand. No matter how silly the gifts were, the ESNers appreciated the thought.

 

The holiday season is a special time of year in the US. Even though ESN has Final Exams, it’s important to spend time with each other and remember the value of friendship and community.

What are some traditions you have at this time of year?

 

VOCABULARY

fuel (v) – to provide motivation

annual (adj) – once a year

swap (n) – to exchange

draw (v) – to select or pull

appreciate (v) – to be grateful for something