【Article by YANG,JING-TONG】

Rebecca Lin (Lin Ying-Chia) is a Chinese-American alumna from the International Master's Program in International Communication Studies(IMICS) at National Chengchi University.

She shared her Christmas experiences and noticed some differences between Taiwan and the United States, which reflects on the profound impact these cultures have had on her life.For Rebecca, the Christmas season in the U.S. begins with Thanksgiving at the end of November and extends through to the New Year. She described this "Holiday Season" as a time for family gatherings, sharing gifts, and joyful celebrations.She especially enjoys the decorations and atmosphere during this period. Despite the cold weather outside, the indoor lights, Christmas trees, and festive ornaments create a cozy ambiance, making this her favorite time of the year.

The Unique Charm of American Christmas Markets

Rebecca Lin highlighted the unique charm of Christmas markets across different U.S. cities. She recalled her experience at the Bryant Park Christmas Market in New York, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. From small vendor stalls to an open-air ice skating rink, the market offers a variety of activities and seasonal treats.

“Every December, our family visits the market to buy gingerbread houses and handmade ornaments, which are part of our Christmas decorations,” she said.

Rebecca Lin described the Christmas market as filled with various holiday-themed items, such as candy canes, gingerbread cookies, and hot cocoa. These festive treats enhance the holiday atmosphere and strengthen family bonds, all adding a nostalgic warmth to her Christmas season.

She also mentioned the renowned Leavenworth Christmas Market in Washington's "German Village." Each holiday season, this quaint village transforms into a cozy wonderland of lights, attracting countless visitors to experience its charm.

NCCU Christmas Market: A Different Kind of Warmth

Rebecca Lin's experience at the NCCU Christmas Market gave her a different perspective than the typical Christmas atmosphere in the U.S. She felt that the NCCU market resembled a festive carnival collaboratively created by students, brimming with creativity and enthusiasm.

The Christmas Market at NCCU also featured distinctive student performances, which are less commonly seen at American Christmas markets. Rebecca particularly enjoyed watching her peers perform on stage, whether it was a band playing music or a dance performance, as these added an energetic vibe to the market.

"These performances not only showcased the students' talents but also fostered a strong sense of unity, making the entire market feel alive," she said with a smile.

Another aspect of the NCCU market that left a deep impression on Rebecca was the diversity of its booths. Reflecting on the desserts and drinks purchased at the NCCU market, she laughed, "This is something you'd never see at an American university, and it made me appreciate the inclusiveness and diversity of NCCU."

Cultural Holiday Traditions and Workplace Applications

Rebecca Lin pointed out that her Christmas experiences in Taiwan and the U.S. have helped her better understand the differences and commonalities between cultures, making her more adept at cross-cultural communication in her work in political communication in the U.S.

"My study experience at NCCU taught me to approach diverse cultures with an open and inclusive mindset. This cross-cultural understanding is fundamental when engaging with different American voters," Rebecca shared. She also emphasized that, in her work, she applies the multicultural skills she learned at NCCU to design communication strategies that are more inclusive and resonate with a broad audience.

Through these holiday cultural experiences, Rebecca found that Christmas always carries meanings of family, reunion, and joy, whether in the East or West. In her work in the U.S., she can use this cultural understanding to convey empathy and create messages tailored to different communities. She is grateful that her student life at NCCU broadened her cultural awareness and nurtured her multicultural thinking in a globalized context.

Rebecca's story demonstrates the cross-cultural growth of NCCU students. Her journey from NCCU to the international workplace has made her a bridge between Taiwanese and American cultures, allowed her to navigate seamlessly through diverse cultural backgrounds, and stand out in her career to continue to fuel her exploration of the world while deepening cultural connections.