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NIU Foreign Language Clubs Celebrate Christmas, Diversity

Foreign language clubs at Northern Illinois University may not all be recognized by the school, but they had reason to come together Friday to share Christmas traditions. 

The German, Spanish, French and Chinese clubs were at the NIU language party on Friday. Some clubs shared region-specific holiday traditions at the party, like German Club vice-president Marlena Jorn singing Christmas carols in German and sharing food unique to the language or to this time of year.

Chinese Club president Jake Irle said the group contributed with spring rolls.

“We’ve been throwing everything together--unfortunately, this time around we weren’t able to get gift cards or prizes or some of the other things that the other groups may have this time, but I’m really excited for next year.”

The German Club also shared stories about the Krampus, who is the devil-like creature who punishes naughty children before Saint Nicholas Day. German professor Kristi McAuliffe talked about her experience with people dressing up as the Krampus when she studied abroad in Austria.

“There was a knock at the door that night, and my Austrian roommate said, ‘Don’t open the door, it could be the Krampus.’ I open this door, and there is this man--he must have been at least six feet tall--dressed like a devil. He comes into our room, starts chasing us around our table...he finally laughed--of course, I was scared to death, and I’m like, ‘What was that? What just happened?’ And [my roommate] told me the whole story about it.”

Hanna Peiffer is the secretary for German Club. Much like other foreign language clubs at the event, is trying to be recognized by the university. Peiffer came up with the concept of the NIU foreign language holiday party, but she originally envisioned a small pot luck between the foreign language clubs.

“Spanish Club turned it into more of an open thing, and it was really their idea to make it open to everyone, but I came up with the Christmas party idea because I thought it would be fun to get to know people.”

German professor Friedemann Stuebing is the sponsor for German Club.

“We have to compete with a football game and a Friday evening, so in that respect, we’ll see what the outcome will be, but I think it was a good idea.”

Spanish Club participants said they thought it was a good idea to bring in outside entertainment--which included a performance by the coed a capella group Northern Sound--to make the party more inclusive for other members of campus.

Peiffer says the event went very well, and she, along with other members, thinks next year will be even better.