In this episode, we explore the joys and challenges of blending holiday traditions as multicultural and interfaith families. From menorahs to Christmas stockings, gumball trees to Secret Santa exchanges, we share stories of how we navigate the holiday season while honoring our children’s diverse cultural and religious identities. We also dive into the role of holiday music in creating joy. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, a mix of both or something entirely different, this episode is all about finding connection and magic during “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Topics Discussed:

• Blending cultural influences and creating new traditions for our children
• The role of holiday decorations and music in creating a festive atmosphere
• Differences between European and American holiday celebrations
• The joy and meaning behind gift-giving and thoughtful gestures

Spreading Holiday Cheer Together:
Celebrate the season with us by taking part in the holiday magic! Drop us an email at cultureclashparenting@gmail.com or head over to Instagram and let us know:

• Your favorite holiday gifts—both received and given.
• Your favorite holiday songs (and/or ask Marisa for her curated playlist that includes favorites like “Hanukkah Blessings” by Barenaked Ladies.

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We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes!

And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
• Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com

This episode was loving produced by Marisa & Astrid.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music

In this episode, we dive into the delicious world of holiday foods across cultures! From Thanksgiving leftovers to Christmas goose, foie gras, and mulled wine, we share stories of the dishes that make our holidays special. We discuss how our favorite traditions have evolved as cross-cultural parents, blending the flavors of our childhoods with the customs of the countries we now call home. Hungry yet? Tune in to explore the festive meals and treats that bring us joy and connection during the holiday season.

Topics Discussed:

• Thanksgiving traditions and recipes, including sweet potato variations and stuffing
• Exploring European holiday staples: goose, foie gras, and raclette
• Chocolate traditions, from Hanukkah gelt to Advent calendars and Swiss cauldrons
• Superstitions and traditions, including lucky New Year’s foods like black-eyed peas, seafood, and German lead pouring

Download Our Holiday Recipe Book:
We’ve gathered the recipes we discussed in this episode into a downloadable recipe book for you to enjoy and share. Download it here

What’s on your holiday table?
Whether it’s a favorite family recipe, a new cultural twist, or a lucky food tradition, we’d love to hear your stories. Send us your recipes and memories, and let us know if you’re okay with us sharing them in our global holiday cookbook.

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We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes!

And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
• Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com

This episode was loving produced by Marisa & Astrid.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music

In this episode, we kick off our holiday series with a lively discussion about blending and preserving holiday traditions from our cultures. We specifically talk about three favorites (that all revolve around food!): Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Chandeleur. We share our experiences as parents navigating holiday celebrations across countries and traditions and how we're teaching our kids the meaning behind each holiday while juggling the busy season.

Tune in to hear our stories, laughter, and tips for making the holidays meaningful, no matter where you are.

Topics Discussed:

• The challenges and joys of blending holidays from multiple cultures
• How food traditions create connection during the holiday season
• The differences between European and American celebrations of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Chandeleur
• Teaching kids about gratitude, family, and cultural traditions

Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:

• Thanksgiving (English): A harvest holiday centered around gratitude, food, and family gatherings and celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November
• Das Erntedankfest (German): Literally "the harvest thank festival," a religious harvest celebration
• Halloween (English): Celebrated on October 31, known for costumes, candy, and spooky fun. In other traditions, this day is observed as Samhain or All Hallows’ Eve, marking a time to honor the dead and the transition into winter.
• Trick or Treat (English) / Un bonbon ou un sort (French): The iconic phrase kids use to ask for candy
• Allerheiligen/Toussaint (All Saints’ Day): Celebrated on November 1, a day to honor the dead and remember loved ones who have passed away, often marked by visiting cemeteries and leaving flowers.
• Sankt Martin/Martinstag (German): Celebrating Saint Martin of Tours on November 11th with lantern parades and baked treats
• Weckmann (German): A sweet bread shaped like a gingerbread man with a pipe, traditionally given on Sankt Martin's Day
• Chandeleur (French): Also known as Candlemas, a Christian holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the temple. In modern France, it is primarily celebrated by making and eating crêpes, with traditions like flipping crêpes for good luck.

We Want to Hear from You:
What are your favorite holiday traditions, and how do you keep them alive across cultures? Do you celebrate any of the holidays we discussed, or have a unique tradition to share? We’d love to hear your stories! Send us a message or tag us on Instagram to join the conversation.

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We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes!

And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
• Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com

This episode was loving produced by Marisa & Astrid.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music