The holidays are a magical time, aren’t they? The sparkle of lights, the warmth of shared meals, the faint sound of Last Christmas and Santa Baby playing in the background for the hundredth time. But for those of us navigating cross-cultural families, that magic comes with a side of logistics and a dash of strategic planning.
Since becoming a parent, I’ve had the privilege—and let’s be honest, the challenge—of reflecting deeply on what traditions mean to me and how to pass them on to my child. In our household, it’s a balancing act: preserving the richness of two cultural heritages while creating space for our own unique family rhythm.
Here’s how we do it:
Divide, Conquer, and Celebrate Together
In our family, the holidays aren’t what one would call a well-oiled machine, just yet, but we’re surely aspiring to that. One of us takes our child to church, introducing her to the spiritual side of the season, while the other is elbow-deep in flour, crafting traditional dishes from recipes that have stood the test of time. Then, we switch—because fairness isn’t just for kids. And after the hustle of cooking and attending church, we come together to attend family gatherings, making sure both sides feel seen, loved, and celebrated. Carols are playing in the background in at least two different languages.
It’s not seamless, and it’s definitely not always easy. There are late nights and moments when the logistics feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: it’s worth it.
Why Traditions Matter
Traditions are more than just things we do because “that’s how we’ve always done them.” They’re a way to connect with the people who came before us, a way to ground ourselves in the present, and a way to pass on values and memories to the next generation.
For us, it’s about more than the food on the table or the songs we sing. It’s about showing our child where she comes from and giving her the tools to carry those pieces forward.
Authenticity Is in the Effort
Keeping traditions alive in a cross-cultural family takes work. Sometimes, it’s a lot of work. But it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about showing up authentically. It’s about honoring the things that matter to you and your partner and finding ways to weave them together into something beautiful.
Maybe your holidays looked different. Maybe you had a simpler celebration or one that’s even more intricate. However you approach it, the essence is the same: showing up, with love and intention, for the people you care about.
So here’s my question for you: How do you keep your traditions alive?
Do you carve out time for the customs that matter most? Do you reinvent them in ways that feel right for your family? Or are you still figuring it all out, like so many of us are?
Whatever your answer, remember this: there’s no “right” way to do the holidays. What matters is that you do them in a way that feels true to you, even if that means a bit of trial and error along the way.
And as we’ve stepped into a new chapter of our lives, from our family to yours, wishing you a new year full of love, connection, and all the little traditions that make it magical. 🎄✨
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