Traditions During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time to honor traditions, some passed down for generations and others newly created. But not all families celebrate in the same way. As we live in an increasingly connected and diverse world, it’s important to learn how to respect and appreciate the many different traditions people hold dear so we can help our children respectfully explore and share love with others with different experiences and cultures.
Respecting others’ traditions isn’t just about being polite; it’s about showing kindness, curiosity, and understanding. When we take the time to learn about what others celebrate, we teach our children valuable lessons about empathy, community, and the beauty and diversity of the world. Let’s explore ways to embrace and respect different traditions during the holiday season.
What Are Traditions?
Traditions are activities or beliefs that are meaningful to a group of people. Some traditions are connected to religious or cultural holidays, while others are simply things families love to do. My children love the tradition of setting luminaries out in the yard for each of our loved ones who have passed away. We do this to remember them, so their light can be seen and remembered by others.
Other cultures might light candles on a menorah for Hanukkah to celebrate hope and resilience in Jewish culture. Hindu families might celebrate Diwali by lighting oil lamps that symbolize light and happiness. Others might gather with loved ones during Kwanzaa to honor African heritage and values that focus on unity and creativity. Some families might not do anything at all.
Why Respecting Traditions Matters
Holidays are deeply personal. Many family traditions bring a sense of identity and connection to their culture, faith, and family of origin. Most families have blended traditions, as two people connect, have children, and begin new traditions. On New Year’s Eve, our family enjoys Fondue with the hope of togetherness in the new year. This is something we started when our children were young and has remained a happy annual tradition since.
Respecting traditions can help build strong communities that support and nurture our children to do good for others. When children grow up learning to honor different beliefs and practices, they become open-minded and compassionate, willing to help others and be helped. This supports the child, and society, to feel less isolated when life gets difficult. Knowing how to support someone else, and being comfortable being supported, are essential skills for building friendships and navigating the world.
How to Teach Children to Respect Traditions
Children are sponges, and parents are their greatest teachers. If we model openness, respect, and compassion for others, so will they. How do we help children learn to honor different holiday traditions?
1. Encourage Curiosity
If your child hears about a holiday they don’t celebrate, encourage them to ask respectful questions. For example:
- “What does this holiday mean to you?”
- “What are your favorite things to do during this holiday?”
- Learn about the holiday traditions on the internet.
Being curious shows interest and is a great way for kids to learn more about their friends or neighbors.
2. Celebrate Differences
Teach your children that differences are good. Explain that not everyone celebrates the same way, and that’s what makes the world interesting and colorful.
For example, if your family celebrates Christmas, explain that other families might celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something else entirely. Emphasize that no one tradition is better than another—they all have similarities and differences, but are special and meaningful to those who celebrate them.
3. Learn Together
Make it a family activity to learn about different holidays and traditions. You can read books, watch videos, or visit cultural events. Learning together creates an opportunity to talk about why traditions matter and how they connect people.
Some great family holiday movies are:
- Coco
- Over The Moon
- An American Tail
- Soul
How to Show Respect During the Holidays
Sometimes, the best way to respect someone else’s traditions is through simple actions.
1. Be Open to Participation
If you’re invited to celebrate a holiday you’re not familiar with, be open to joining in! Whether it’s lighting a menorah for Hanukkah, enjoying Diwali sweets, or learning about Kwanzaa’s principles, participating is a great way to show respect and build connections.
2. Avoid Judgments
Even if a tradition seems different from your own, try to stay open. Focus on understanding why it’s important to the people who celebrate it. Most of our traditions share themes and principles. For example, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Diwali all celebrate themes of light, hope, and community, often involving candles, lamps, or other symbols of illumination to represent spiritual or cultural significance. These holidays emphasize togetherness, whether through family gatherings, communal meals, or acts of giving and gratitude. They also provide a time for reflection on values like gratitude, resilience, and faith. Although the traditions might be different, the spirit behind them is the same.
Bringing Respect into Your Home
Respecting traditions starts at home. Parents can model this behavior by being curious, kind, and inclusive.
1. Create Your Own Traditions
Talk as a family about what traditions are meaningful to you. Let your children help create or adapt traditions that reflect your family’s unique values and experiences and invite diversity. If you have friends or neighbors who celebrate different holidays, consider inviting them to share their traditions with your family. This could be as simple as trying a new food, learning a holiday song, or hearing a story.
2. Focus on Common Values
Discover the common ground of traditions. Use these shared values as ways to connect with others, even if their celebrations look different from yours.
The holidays are about more than just celebrations. They’re about connection and seeing the light in each of us. With that, have a very happy holiday season, however, you choose to celebrate.
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5 Step Guide to Setting Successful Family Values
Related Podcast:
Community Pieces #5: “Denial is the heartbeat of racism” – a conversation on how to talk to ALL kids about race. Listen to Tell Me About Your Kids, on Apple, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.