Lancaster Bible College welcomes both on-campus and online students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and from over 30 different countries. During Christmastime, a rich array of traditions is represented in LBC’s student body as they worship the Savior and celebrate His birth with their families and communities.
Aina Aime (’25), center in white shirt, shares the Christmas traditions in his home country of Madagascar.
Aina Aime (’25) grew up in Madagascar with a diverse cultural background from ancestors in Indonesia and Africa. Christmastime in Madagascar is always busy and bustling with excitement and noise.
“During the month of December,” shared Aina, an on-campus Business Administration major at LBC, “the streets are busier, traffic is heavier, most high school students start learning Christmas songs, and neighbors blast Christmas songs with loudspeakers. Looking at everything around me, I see that Christmas carries a unique excitement and joy.”
While growing up, Aina and his family would travel to the largest nearby city to buy Christmas toys, new clothing and attend church. Instead of eating turkey, they enjoy a dinner of goose and pork for the special occasion.
What is most important to Aina at Christmastime, however, is celebrating the birth of Christ and wrapping up the year with memorable experiences.
Carolina Luciano Burgos (’21 & ’23), an LBC alumna who earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the communication realm, was born and raised in Puerto Rico, which is known for having one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world.
“Christmas [for me] looks like having all the decorations set up by November 1st and all the way until around January 15th,” Carolina said. “I also know people who have their trees up by September!”
Carolina Luciano Burgos (’21 & ’23) enjoys a long Christmas celebration with family in her native Puerto Rico.
Music is also a very important part of Christmas for Carolina and her family. Growing up, they would begin to play music very early in the season. In fact, you can listen to some Puerto Rican Christmas music here on Spotify!
As her family celebrates Christmas all the way through the new year, one of their main traditions is making Asopao de Pollo, a traditional Puerto Rican stew with flavorful chicken, vegetables and seasonings.
“This is kind of like a soup but with rice and vegetables like corn on the cob, carrots and potatoes,” Carolina explained. “We’ll make it in the evening and eat some right after the clock hits 12 a.m.”
Want to try a version of Asopao de Pollo for yourself? Check out a recipe here!
Also when midnight rolls around, Carolina and her family gather to pray. “We make sure to finish the past year connected to God, as we surrender the new year that’s about to begin,” said Carolina.
“We celebrate that our Christ was born and—because of Him and through Him—we have the beautiful gift of salvation for all who wish to receive it.”