Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C., gave kids a glimpse into “Christmas Around the World.”
In preparation for the holiday season, Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C., invited 70 second- and third-grade students from nearby elementary schools to the property on December 13, to treat them to hot chocolate, cookies, and a glimpse into “Christmas Around the World.”
The event, which the property has been hosting for eight years, got its start from a casual conversation about Christmas among employees who “hail from all parts of the world,” says Marjorie Christiansen, Director of Media Relations. Staff from Old Edwards’ food-and-beverage, pastry, banquet and human resources departments all participate.
The event, which lasts about 45 minutes (“perfect for little ones’ attention spans,” Christiansen notes), has a relaxed structure, with employees taking turns speaking about Christmas culture in their home countries, Typically, the presentations that offer the most contrast to how Americans celebrate Christmas draw the most attention, such as decorating a mango tree in India rather than an evergreen. Represented countries have included England, Scotland, Ireland, Vietnam, China, France, Russia, South Africa, Germany, and Lithuania.
“In many cases, it’s [the kids’] first peek into Christmas being ‘done’ differently from what they know,” Christiansen says. “It is the beginning of their world view.”
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