Cultural Connections for the Whole Family This Holiday Season

While you are gathering everyone together for holiday adventures, why not introduce some new cultural experiences? While traditions can be comforting during the winter months, introducing variety into your holiday routines can shine a light on other cultures and create bright new memories.

Bring Nature Inside

Most people are familiar with the Christmas tradition of bringing cut trees and evergreen tree branches into homes to symbolize the anticipation of earth’s re-greening at the conclusion of winter. Why not visit a tree farm this year, even if you have an artificial tree? You could always bring home a less-than-perfect tree and deconstruct it into boughs to deck your halls. Do your research online for the best match for your needs. Often, tree farms supply saws or pre-cut trees, so all you have to do is dress for the weather and pile in the car. Farms further from the crowds might be a little more do-it-yourself, so be sure to check reviews about tree quality and selection. After you have happily picked a tree, cut it down, and secured it to your car roof, why not treat the family to a hot beverage? Don’t forget to take plenty of selfies!

Try a Taste of Hanukkah

This year, Hanukkah starts on the evening of Christmas, so what better time to incorporate a new taste at your table. If you have never made and enjoyed fresh potato pancakes, your family is in for a treat! Latkes are traditional fare during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The story of Hanukkah involves lantern oil miraculously lasting much longer than expected, which is why oil-centric foods are featured throughout the eight days and nights of this holiday. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

Potato Latke Recipe

2 cups coarsely grated baking potatoes, peeled
3 large eggs
1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated onions
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

Tips: Wrap grated potatoes in a clean dish towel and squeeze as much moisture out of them as you can before you proceed. You may also substitute up to a half cup of another grated root vegetable for potatoes. If so, squeeze the moisture out of them, as well. Make more than you think you need because they go fast as soon as they are served.

Directions: Put frying oil in a flat skillet over medium-high heat. Mix all the prepared ingredients together. Drop batter into oil in three-inch cakes about 1/4 inch thick. Fry until browned on the bottom then flip and repeat browning. If oil starts to scorch, turn it down. Pancakes should be crisp and can be kept warm on a plate in the oven on the lowest setting. Place paper towels between layers to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve with organic applesauce and high-quality sour cream. Makes 12 pancakes.

Knock on the Door of Enlightenment

In Japan every December 8th, Buddhists celebrate the moment when the Buddha reached enlightenment. In this spirit, give meditation a try at home. Teaching your children how to meditate may be the single-best thing you can do to help them manage stress throughout their lives. Invite your kids to sit on the ground with legs crossed comfortably, with a straight back, eyes closed and attention focused gently on the space just above the center of their eyebrows. The symbol of the famous Bodhi (fig) tree may be helpful in encouraging them to imagine they have roots reaching down from the base of their spines and branches reaching up into the sky from the top of their heads. Try ‘sitting like a tree’ as a family for just five or 10 minutes at first. See how long the whole family can sit still in quiet inner contemplation and then increase the time gradually. Most parents would agree that any amount of time holding completely still constitutes a small holiday miracle. Commemorate each successful sitting session with a cup of herbal tea and a cookie afterwards.

Banish Some Darkness from the World

Kwanzaa incorporates light as a celebration of African-American culture. On each night of the holiday that begins December 26, a candle is lit to observe the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Embrace the values of these holidays by discussing real challenges faced in communities and regions in metro Atlanta and throughout the world. Make a donation to or volunteer with an organization with a crucial mission. Help kids understand that some of the most concerning problems can be soothed when approached with a helpful, compassionate attitude.

Sparkle Up Your Feast

Most winter holidays and festivals have two things in common with traditional Western Christmas — lighting up the space and feasting. Why not create a focus on both of these traditions on the Winter Solstice, the shortest, darkest day of the year? This year, that’s December 21. Choose a spot in your home, like a fireplace hearth, and gather all of your candles around it for an impactful display. Or scatter little lights and candles throughout a room or even throughout an entire floor of your home. When it’s time to eat, turn off most of the lights inside and enjoy your evening meal in the glimmer. Nothing turns up the winter magic like relaxing into the almost darkness. This is also a great way to recharge your batteries throughout the typically hectic holiday season.

-Christina Katz