This year’s annual Christmas party, once again hosted by the IMBA Student Council, was held near the center of all the holiday festivities in Xinyi District at the venue BOOKSHOW (說書會). The evening on December 26th, 2020 saw a gathering of IMBA alumni, students, and family. The night not only celebrated the holidays but also marked the end of the Fall 2020 semester for all IMBA students. For some, this was also the last semester of classes in their IMBA career.
The warmth of the IMBA family was enjoyed with finger foods and drinks flowing throughout the night. Christmas music blasted through the speakers while guests mingled and danced. Tables and chairs were setup which allowed guests to relax and catch-up with classmates after a busy semester. Fun holiday themed photo-props were also placed around the venue where guests captured the night in their memories forever. It was happy vibes all around!
Halfway into the night, members of the Student Council began the evening’s festivities - Lucky Draw and a White Elephant gift exchange game. Guests who wanted to participate in White Elephant were asked to bring a fun gift. Numbers were given when guests first arrived, which was the order they picked the gifts. Following the sequence of these numbers, each player choses a wrapped gift from the pile one at a time. They then opened the gift and showed it to everyone. The next player had the ability to steal a previously opened gift or pick a new one. (There are no steal backs! Once your gift is “stolen” you cannot steal it back until the next round). Guests had fun stealing gifts from each other which ended in laughter but also some unshed tears. These fun gifts included wine, protein powder, camping gear, speakers, and two extra-large cans of Campbell’s Soup. In addition, the Student Council prepared a Lucky Draw event of over fifteen gifts to give away to the guests. The highlight of the Lucky Draw were two Santa costumes which the recipients changed into right away to bring up the Christmas spirit. Everyone ended the night with something to take home - a fun gift or a night filled with joy and friendship.
Yvonne Chen, a first-year IMBA local Taiwanese student said, “I enjoyed the Christmas party very much. It was cozy and warm. The night was a total stress reliever and also so festive!” Linda Blechert, another first-year IMBA student from Germany said, “Due to COVID-19, for me and many other international students, this is our first Christmas away from home. Thankfully, through the great efforts that our Student Council has put in the organization of this party, we could still experience the warm and unique Christmas spirit with our IMBA family. I am truly grateful to live in such a safe country like Taiwan that allows us to hold these kind of events even in times of a global pandemic.” Lastly, Anna Tsai, the current IMBA Student Council President said, “The IMBA Christmas party is over but the memory of our event still lingers. Thank you for being part of it. We wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
The night ended on a high note with a wonderful celebration of the holiday season as well as the end of the 2020 year. This was a chance for all to let loose and relax with the IMBA family. Christmas is all about spending time together, especially for those who were unable to spend it with their loved ones in their home countries due to the current pandemic. Hope everyone has a Happy Holidays and well wishes for the New Year!
