the Issue Winter 2017
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the
year: Christmas time. The perfect time to set
aside our differences and get together, preferably
near a fireplace, with good food and
warm lights. Of course there’s more than one
way to celebrate this holiday. Matthijs Koster
takes us to the swamps of Louisiana for a
Christmas celebration that sounds familiar
and yet quite different from what might first
come to mind when you think of Christmas.
Another December holiday that you might not
know the ins and outs of is also around the
corner. Wouter Peer explains what Hanukkah
is all about.
2017 has been an interesting year to say the
least, but for USA Nijmegen and American
Studies it has been a year full of milestones.
This year, Prof. dr. Hans Bak is retiring after
40 years of teaching. 2017 also marks the
30th year of American Studies in Nijmegen
and USA Nijmegen’s third Lustrum. The Issue
will celebrate USA Nijmegen’s Lustrum with
a special Lustrum Edition of The Issue later
this year but since Hans Bak gives his farewell
address on December 15th, this Issue is dedicated
to him with an exclusive interview.
I hope all of you have a holly jolly Christmas,
Hanukkah, Kwanza, Fiesta of Our Lady of
Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Three Kings Day,
Omisoka, Yule, Saturnalia or any other holiday
you are celebrating (yes, Festivus too).
And a happy New Year!