Happy Holidays from the II Business Solutions Center at the International Institute! We would like to express our appreciation for your business in 2012 and look forward to working with you in the New Year.

Winter holidays are celebrated differently around the globe. Let's take a look at countries which align to our most frequently interpreted languages in St. Louis: Spanish, Bosnian and Chinese.

In the Spanish-speaking country of Peru, residents of the capital of Lima are not hopeful for a white Christmas. Instead, December is the first month of summer. During the holidays, Peruvians enjoy tamales, salads, sweet bread called Panettone and a special homemade hot chocolate. 

In Bosnia, the children receive treats from Djeda Mraz, Grandfather Frost. Holiday parties in Bosnia often include sparklers, singing and dancing.  

In China, red paper lanterns which represent happiness are displayed during holiday celebrations, including the New Year on January 1st. Corporations in China often host New Year's celebrations and offer employees one day off work. While spending the New Year with family, people start to anticipate and get prepared for the celebration of the Lunar New Year which takes place around late January or early February.