Monthly Archives: December 2009

Happy New Years To All!

No matter what country you live in, New Years is celebrated around the world.  It’s a way to look back on your year and make resolutions to change for the following year!  Fireworks are a normal part of the celebration at midnight on New Year’s Eve.  Wherever you are please don’t drink and drive.  Take advantage of public transportation or have a designated driver.  Happy New Years!

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that begins on December 26 and lasts for 7 days.  Kwanza means first fruits in Kiswahili, an East African language.  The holiday was developed in 1966 by Professor Maulana Karenga.  On each of the seven evenings the family lights a candle that represents a symbol such as the fruits of harvest, candleholder, candles, the chalice of unity, etc.  The day’s principle is discussed while lighting the candles.  Near the end of the holiday the community gathers for a feast called karamu.

Celebrating the holidays!

No matter what holiday you are celebrating the most important thing to remember is that it is a time to enjoy family, friends, and appreciate all that we do have.  Take the time to really appreciate those around you!

Holiday Gift Ideas for your Au Pairs!

If you are planning on giving your au pair a gift this holiday season, but haven’t made your decision yet, here are some ideas:

  • Stationary to write friends and family back home
  • A SunTrek gift certificate for a trip your au pair may be planning with SunTrek-1-800-SUNTREK
  • A framed photograph of her with the children
  • Gifts certificates for photo albums and printing of pictures
  • Hat and mittens
  • A hand-made gift by the children such as a framed card, picture, painting, jewelry, etc.
  • Personalized or engraved gifts
  • Personal items such as bubble bath, lotion, special soaps, etc.
  • Books especially a picture book of the US or a guide book for a place she is planning to visit
  • Gift certificates to theatre, restaurants, store to purchase personal items, etc.
  • Phone card

A special note regarding gift giving…….

Holiday gift giving in the United States may seem overwhelming to Au Pairs.  The quantity of gifts given to the children and the commercialization of this holiday season may be quite different from their experiences.  Au pairs are not in a position to purchase expensive gifts so encourage your au pair to participate in this holiday season by possibly sharing a dish from her home country, baking cookies, etc.

Please feel free to share any ideas you may have!

Chanukah

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah starts at sundown today and lasts for eight days.  It is a celebration of religious freedom based on historical events of more than two thousand years ago.  It is traditional to exchange gifts of gelt (Yiddish for money) in the form of real coins or chocolate wrapped in gold foil, to play a game of put-and-take with a four sided top called a dreidel, and to light candles each night.  Traditional foods include donuts and potato pancakes.  See www.holidays.net/chanukah/index.htm for more information, recipes, and crafts.

SUNTREK Tours are a great way to see the US!

Au Pair in America is thrilled to announce a new exclusive agreement with SUNTREK Active & Adventure travel. SUNTREK has been offering regional tours of the US for young adults for almost 40 years and many of our au pairs have already experienced their fun, rugged, yet comfortable style of travel.

Au pairs with Au Pair in America will receive a 20% discount off the published rate!  Visit http://www.suntrek.com/_us/aupairs.php to plan your SUNTREK Adventure.

Fun with Gingerbread!

Gingerbread is an important part of many cultures’ holiday celebrations.  Read the story of the Gingerbread Boy and have fun making gingerbread cookies!

Visit the library:

Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett; The Gingerbread Boy by Richard Egielski; The Gingerbread Man by Eric Kimmel; The Cajun Gingerbread Boy illustrated by Berthe Amoss

Head to the kitchen!

  • Preheat oven to 350 F
  • Sift together in a large bowl:
  • 3 cups of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg
  • Beat together in a smaller bowl:
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies.
  • Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 7-10 minutes
  • Place on rack to cool and then decorate

Directions to making a Gingerbread House

You need:  a paper plate, milk or orange juice carton, graham crackers, different candies to decorate with, and frosting.  To make the frosting beat egg whites from 2 large eggs with an electric mixer at high speed.  When foamy add 2 1/2 cups of powder sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with each addition.  This takes about 7-8 minutes.  Frosting will be very stiff and white.  Frosting will dry fast, so if not using right away cover with a damp towel and refrigerate.  Enjoy!