My Adopted Child’s Culture, It’s 6 a.m. on Christmas morning, and fatigue sets in for this mom. Weeks and months of preparation for the holiday are finally coming to fruition. The house gleams with cleanliness, awaiting the arrival of in-laws. Pies and a thawing turkey rest in the fridge, while the Christmas tree dazzles with meaningful ornaments, tinsel, and lights. Every nook and cranny exudes festivity. As a mom through adoption, the pressure to make it perfect amplifies. I am a mother to a beautiful Indian girl, the wife to an Italian, and I myself am part Filipino. Trying to incorporate all our family traditions, cultural customs, and more is exhausting and this season is already tiring for so many moms that just want it to be perfect. Well, the good news is that it can be simple to include and celebrate your adopted child’s culture! This is how our family does it.
Normalizing Diversity
In our household, the concept of normalizing diversity goes beyond mere tolerance; it embodies the seamless integration of our family’s diverse cultures into the fabric of our daily existence. Christmas, a time often associated with tradition, takes on a unique and enriching twist. Rather than conforming to a single cultural narrative, our celebration becomes a harmonious blend of Indian rice dishes and the quintessential turkey roast. This fusion not only tantalizes our taste buds but symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of our varied cultural backgrounds.
A Fusion of Flavors and Traditions
The effort to normalize diversity extends to even the smallest details, such as our nativity set. Rather than adhering to conventional representations, ours reflects the true spectrum of humanity, with figures of different ethnicities and shades. This intentional choice sends a powerful message to all who encounter it. A visual testament to the belief that the celebration of diversity should be woven into the very fabric of our lives. Rather than segregated into specific occasions.
Beyond Special Occasions: Multiculturalism as a Daily Norm
The beauty of normalizing diversity lies in its ability to transcend special occasions. For us, multiculturalism is not confined to designated events but has seamlessly become a daily norm. Our household reflects a microcosm of the world’s rich tapestry, where diverse traditions, languages, and cuisines coalesce effortlessly. Consequently, our holiday celebrations are not isolated events but rather an extension of the daily symphony of our lives. Showcasing the beauty that arises when different cultures converge in harmony. In embracing everyday multiculturalism, we have found that our differences not only cease to be barriers but transform into threads that weave a richer, more vibrant familial tapestry.
Culinary Fusion
Our family’s culinary journey took an unexpected turn during our first Thanksgiving in India. Vegan takeout became the star of the celebration, deviating significantly from the traditional turkey-centric affair. Despite the initial departure from the norm, this experience sparked a culinary revelation. This prompts us to incorporate a delightful blend of American and Indian flavors into our holiday festivities.
Harmonizing Heritage on the Holiday Table
Learning from the fusion experiment, we now approach American holidays with an innovative perspective. Infusing the festivities with a touch of our daughter’s Indian heritage. Rather than view cultural differences as obstacles, we see them as opportunities to create richer and more diverse of flavors. Traditional Indian spices and ingredients seamlessly intertwine with classic American recipes. Creating a harmonious balance that not only celebrates the essence of the holiday but also pays homage to our multicultural roots.
A Tapestry of Tastes
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are no longer confined to the boundaries of a single culinary tradition. Our holiday table has evolved into a canvas where traditional Indian meals and Italian pie crust recipes converge to form a unique and flavorful masterpiece. The aromatic spices of Indian curries dance alongside the buttery goodness of an Italian pie crust. Creating a symphony of tastes that tantalize the palate and reflect the diverse influences that have shaped our family’s culinary identity
Musical Globalization
In the era of musical globalization, the boundaries that once confined musical genres are gradually dissipating. The advent of streaming services has ushered in an era where access to diverse music is not just a luxury but a commonplace occurrence. The fusion of cultures through music is particularly evident during festive seasons, such as Christmas, where a rich tapestry of global sounds can be woven into the traditional celebrations.
Festive Diversity
Listening to Christmas music in Hindi exemplifies this global musical fusion. It goes beyond the familiar jingles and carols, introducing a fresh and new vibe to the festive atmosphere. The infusion of Hindi melodies into the Christmas repertoire adds a unique dimension to the celebration, breaking away from the conventional sounds associated with the holiday season.
Extended Celebration Period: From October Onwards
The evolution of our musical traditions is not only marked by the diverse range of tunes but also by a shift in the timing of our celebrations. With streaming services making Christmas music available at our fingertips, our festive journey now commences in October. This extended period allows us to delve into the enchanting world of Christmas melodies from various countries, preparing our hearts for the joyous season well in advance.
Exploring Christmas Tunes Worldwide
The ability to explore Christmas tunes from around the world has become a cherished aspect of our globalized musical experience. From Latin American rhythms to Asian-inspired carols, the options are vast and eclectic. This musical exploration not only broadens our cultural understanding but also fosters a sense of unity as we come together to celebrate the universal spirit of Christmas through a harmonious blend of diverse musical traditions. In essence, musical globalization has redefined our festive soundtrack, turning it into a global symphony that resonates with the shared joy and merriment of the holiday season.
A Global Network of Christmas Cards
Connected to an online group of families with adopted children from India, we exchange Christmas cards to celebrate diversity. These cards, adorned with stories and pictures, create a sense of community and understanding. Displayed on our fridge, they serve as a reminder of the shared journey in incorporating cultural traditions into the holiday season.
Storytelling through Cards
Each Christmas card becomes a canvas for storytelling, adorned with tales of cultural traditions and adorned with pictures that showcase the vibrant diversity within these families. The exchange of these cards becomes a powerful means of sharing and understanding, offering a glimpse into the unique backgrounds and journeys of each family, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for cultural richness.
Displaying Shared Journeys
The tangible aspect of these cards adds a special dimension to the experience. As families receive and exchange cards, they become tangible reminders of a shared journey. These cards find a place of honor on the refrigerator, transforming it into a visual tapestry of diverse stories and shared experiences. Each glance at the fridge serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of these families and their commitment to incorporating cultural traditions into the fabric of their holiday celebrations.
The Power of Shared Traditions
Through this global network of Christmas cards, a profound sense of understanding and community emerges. Families are not only celebrating their individual traditions but also creating bridges of connection with others who share the joy of adoption and the beauty of cultural diversity. In a world often marked by differences, these cards become symbols of unity, showcasing the power of shared traditions in bringing people together across continents and cultures.
Simplicity Over Perfection
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, simplicity triumphs. We bring in cultural traditions to our Christmas festivities without making everything too complicated. Indian star lanterns become part of our nativity scene, symbolizing the Bethlehem star. Handmade ornaments from an Indian artist share space with our regular Christmas tree decorations. We let our child decide if she wants to wear a Sari or a red and green Christmas dress.
Realizing the tendency to go overboard during the holidays, we take a step back. Our children value even the smallest efforts. While enjoying milk sweets on Christmas Day, we embrace the happiness of celebrating all that makes us a unique and diverse family in a country that allows us the freedom to do so.
In the spirit of celebrating uniqueness and simplicity, let’s also remember the importance of family. Forever Families is here to help with your adoption process, provide counseling, support, and more. Together, we can make the journey towards building a loving and diverse family a smoother and more joyful experience. Reach out to us, and let’s create forever homes filled with love and understanding.