Holidays in America make a BIG impression on YES students, and many times that leads to new holiday traditions back home with the YES alumni! In Jordan this year, the YES community decided to come together as a family for a Secret Santa gift exchange. 

23 YES alumni and four current American students participating in YES Abroad had a Christmas-themed evening together on December 13th in Amman. They set up the Secret Santa exchange in advance and sought out thoughtful, symbolic tokens of appreciation to give one another at a maximum price of 3 JOD each (less than 5 USD).

No holiday celebration would be complete without special treats to eat! The alumni and their YES Abroad friends snacked on Christmas cookies and hot seasonal beverages while listening to Christmas songs. 

Music, gifts, and snacks - what a wonderful Christmas-y way for the YES family to continue to grow together in Jordan!

Photo: YES Abroad students at the special holiday event in Amman

Photo: the full group shows off the Secret Santa gifts they received from one another