For many immigrants, the holidays can be a reminder of home and families left behind. They can also provide a chance to share culture and create space for understanding, joining new traditions with old to forge a new identity from the two; especially when you have children growing up in your new world.
Christmas, in Canada, is a time to gather with loved ones; the same focus of holidays throughout the world. A time of family, feasts, festive paper and lights. This time of year makes many newcomers remember their traditional holidays.
Holiday movies like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, or Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer will be shown on TV. Radio stations and stores will play Christmas music. Parents will buy their children new outfits for their Christmas concerts at school, laying these items out for their children to find in the morning. When Canadians celebrate Christmas, they meeting with their neighbours and friends, baking traditional sweets and dinners.
You can find ways to make your family traditions part of your life in your new home by doing simple things like teaching your children the importance of remembering the traditions of your own holidays – offering charity, sharing food and gifts in gatherings with others. You will find that many will return the favour with Christmas cookies or gifts for you and your children.
You can find pieces of home in the Christmas holidays and come to love new traditions that you build with your own family. If you are a newcomer to this country, say yes to these new experiences and be open to creating new traditions. Your children will be exposed to them in school, and learn about them through friends—but as a family, you have a chance to make them your own.
You can eat Christmas dinner while taking in the traditions of your own holidays. Join in the songs of Christmas and share the beauty of your own culture. Each experience will help you add to your own family’s rich traditions so that my family can find pieces of home in all of the holidays.
If you would like to learn more about Canadian Christmas, you can always participate in the many activities available at your local public library. These events are free and inclusive. You will feel that you are a part of your new Canadian community and you can discover the magic of a Canadian Christmas. Read below to see our list of the top 5 family Christmas events to attend this holiday season!
The Port Moody Public Library invites you to their annual family-friendly holiday event. This year’s Celebrate the Season performance is part of the CP Holiday Train event. Enjoy a special storytime with carols, holiday stories, and our special guest, Pigeon! Seating is first come, first served. December 18th, 2018.
The North Vancouver District Public Library invites you to a Muppets Classic. Based on Charles Dickens classic tale of Christmas, this holiday favourite stars Kermit The Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the other Muppet favourites as they put their unique twist on this tale, filling it with irreverent entertainment and the spirit of Christmas, as only the Muppets can. December 22nd, 2018.
The Vancouver Public Library invites you to a Holiday Sing-a-long. Meet up at the Dunbar Branch for singing, stories, and treats. A Christmas carol lyric sheet will be provided. December 13th, 2018.
The Surrey Libraries invites you to a Christmas Craft event. This program is for children ages 8 to 12. All supplies provided. December 13th, 2018.
The West Vancouver Memorial Library invites you to a Holiday Puppet Show and songs to get in the holiday spirit. December 14th, 2018.
There are many other events and activities scheduled for this holiday season. You can find your local libraries events on our website.