It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and at Wanderlust Exchange, this year feels even more special. As Christmas lights twinkle and carols fill the air, we are not only celebrating the joy of the holiday season but also marking a significant milestone: WE 10th anniversary.
From a single dream of connecting cultures, Wanderlust Exchange has grown into a vibrant community that brings people from around the world together. Over the past decade, we’ve built countless bridges of understanding and love. To celebrate, we hosted a special Christmas party at our Shanghai office, welcoming au pairs from across the region to join in the festivities and commemorate this meaningful occasion.
Looking Back: A Decade of Growth and Connection
The event began with a heartfelt speech from Wanderlust Exchange’s founder, Hazel. Standing before a room of smiling faces, she reflected on the journey that began a decade ago—a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless meaningful moments. Hazel shared how the idea of connecting young people with families across borders grew into a mission that’s touched thousands of lives.
“I’m deeply grateful to each and every one of you,” Hazel said. “You are the heart of Wanderlust Exchange. Your courage to embrace new cultures, your willingness to connect and share, and your trust in us have made this journey possible.” Her words were met with warm applause, setting the tone for a night of celebration and gratitude.
Games, Gifts, and Good Times
No Christmas gathering is complete without games, and Wanderlust Exchange made sure there was something for everyone. The biggest winner of the exchange part was Nicholas, who walked away with the grand prize: an air fryer!
One of the most entertaining moments of the event was the mimicry competition. Each au pair drew a slip of paper with different challenges, such as “Pictionary” (you draw, they guess) or singing and dancing. The most memorable performance came from Penelope, who wowed everyone by mimicking Lisa from BLACKPINK. Her energetic and playful dance had the entire room in stitches, earning her the most votes and the top prize—a traditional Chinese lion dance decoration. She was thrilled with her gift and thanked everyone for the laughter and support.
Another highlight was the classic gift-wrapping game. Participants passed around a beautifully wrapped present while the music played, unwrapping one layer when the music stopped. The final winner unwrapped the grand prize, much to everyone’s excitement.
And the traditional Chinese game of Touhu also added a cultural touch to the celebration. Participants took turns tossing arrows into a pot, discovering just how tricky yet satisfying the game could be. The festive atmosphere reached its peak as participants sang, danced, and shared stories, creating lasting memories.
Festive Vibes and Heartfelt Surprises
The venue was a Christmas wonderland, decked out with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful Santa hats for everyone. Wanderlust Exchange also ensured no one went hungry, offering a delicious spread of pizza, cookies, and drinks that kept spirits high throughout the day.
The event ended on a high note with Hazel announcing two lucky winners who received tickets to Shanghai Disneyland. The excitement and joy on their faces perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event—celebrating connection, gratitude, and the magic of Christmas.
A Decade of Love, Trust, and Cultural Exchange🎄
For ten years, Wanderlust Exchange has been more than an organization—it’s been a family. Through cultural exchange, we’ve created countless moments of love, trust, and connection that transcend borders. This Christmas gathering was a celebration not only of the season but also of the shared values that make cultural exchange so meaningful.
As we step into the future, we remain committed to our mission of fostering mutual understanding and connection. Here’s to another decade of meaningful journeys, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Finally, Wanderlust Exchange wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with love, warmth, and joy. Together, let’s create a brighter, more connected future.
Wanderlust Exchange encourages the exploration of self-awareness and personal development , and fostering of global understanding. We desire to bridge cultural divide and contribute to build the world with more trust, understanding and diversity among all.
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