The Online Reflector

Because the University of Indianapolis is home to so many international students, the holiday season may be a little difficult for them. Oftentimes, these students celebrate holidays differently than do Americans.

Junior medical technology major Jessica Nevoa is from Brazil and said that she does not celebrate any holidays that are exclusive to her country while she lives in the United States. However, she said that certain holidays celebrated in both countries, such as Valentine’s Day, are celebrated on different days. While the holiday is on Feb. 14 in the United States, it is on June 12 in Brazil. So, true to her own tradition, she celebrated on June 12.

“I was in a relationship at that time. So we exchanged gifts and talked a lot during the day,” she said.

Junior information systems major Mariama Kamara is from Sierra Leone and grew up in the United States. Her parents live here as well. She said that she thinks that because she was raised in the United States, she does not celebrate holidays differently than her American friends do.

“My family and I celebrate Christmas and New Year’s and things like that. And they are all on the same day in Sierra Leone as they are here,” she said.

Nevoa said that she has loved her time in the United States and has enjoyed celebrating holidays here.

“First, it is a nice experience to know more of the culture and second, I particularly like the United States. It is kind of my second home. So I enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving and Independence Day,” she said. “In Brazil, we are not as patriot[ic] as the Americans, so we don’t celebrate our flag [and] our country as [Americans do] here during Independence Day.”

Nevoa lived in the United States for two years during high school, returned to Brazil for her last two years of high school  and then returned the United States to attend college. She said that she has adopted American culture and holidays and enjoys continually learning about traditions and customs that are celebrated here. She said that she recognizes both the pros and cons of living outside of her own country.

“I could adapt fast and really enjoy my life here, but I missed my family a lot, too,” she said. “So for me, it is easy to stay in the U.S., but not for long periods because I love my country and my family too. And it is always good to be away, to somehow appreciate what you have back home.”

Nevoa said that Brazil is trying to adopt some of the more recent traditions during the holiday season, such as Black Friday, even though Thanksgiving is a holiday that is exclusive to the United States.

“Apparently, prices are still high,” she said. “I think before, during and after Christmas is the time when Brazilians buy more things.”

Kamara said that Black Friday is a tradition that she and her family have adopted. Although her parents spent the majority of their lives in Sierra Leone, they have made an effort to help her assimilate into American society.

“I go Black Friday shopping every year with my mom,” Kamara said. “Even though it’s not a big thing where I’m from, it’s become a custom for me.”

Nevoa is returning to Brazil to spend the holidays with her family. But she said that overall, she has not had a difficult time being away from home.

“I don’t really miss celebrating holidays, but [I do miss] birthdays and the everyday,” she said. “But I think I would be mad and sad if I couldn’t celebrate Christmas and New Year back home with the family.”

Kamara said that even though she has grown up in the United States, she still feels a strong connection with her home.

“Even though I celebrate American holidays and enjoy them,” she said, “I still want to stay true to my family’s traditions.”