A tree-trimming party Tuesday in the International Student Centre attracted dozens of participants representing countries around the world.

Aoi Ishimaru, an exchange student in art history from Tokyo’s International Christian University, said she wanted to experience a Canadian Christmas.

“I wanted to taste Canadian-style treats—cookies and apple cider,” she said. “It was very nice.”

The students sampled homemade goodies, built gingerbread houses, and made their own ornaments to decorate the centre’s tree—including a ribbon garland they signed with their names and countries of origin.

Another chance for them to learn about Canadian holiday traditions is the Host for the Holidays program. Now in its fourth year, the program places international students with Windsor families willing to open their homes to guests for a holiday dinner.

More information, including an application form for prospective hosts, is available on the centre’s website.

Japanese exchange student Aoi Ishimaru hangs an ornament on the Christmas tree in the International Student Centre.

Mehedi Hasan, a third-year mechanical engineering major from Bangladesh, signs a garland before placing it around the tree.