Canada’s identity is a mosaic of vibrant cultural traditions, especially during the winter holiday season. Our national identity is steeped in the civic ideal of multiculturalism, which the government defines as the commitment to ensuring that every citizen can preserve their cultural identity, take pride in their ancestry, and feel a sense of belonging.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the winter holiday traditions commonly celebrated by some of the many cultures in Canada, as well as how embracing them can encourage understanding, respect, and appreciation of our nation’s diverse heritage.
Hanukkah
Also called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah means “dedication” and is celebrated by the Jewish community in Canada and around the world. The holiday commemorates the “rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil” that lasted eight days.
Throughout the eight-day festival, families light the central candle of the menorah, with an additional candle for each night, while reciting blessings and enjoying traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).
Diwali
Diwali, another Festival of Lights, is the Indian subcontinent’s largest holiday. The festival is a five-day celebration observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists and signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
During the festival, families decorate their homes with rangoli (intricate patterns made with coloured powders), light oil lamps, and burst firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. Traditional sweets, including ladoos, barfis, and jalebis, are shared among friends and family.
Kwanzaa
Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is a relatively recent addition to the holiday calendar, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. This week-long celebration honours African heritage and culture, focusing on seven principles, some of which include unity, self-determination, creativity, and faith.
During Kwanzaa, families light the kinara, a candle holder with seven candles, each representing one of the principles. The celebrations include storytelling, music, dance, and a communal feast known as Karamu.
Variations on Christmas
Christmas is the most widely recognized and celebrated holiday in Canada. While the holiday needs no introduction as an opportunity for gathering and exchanging gifts, this originally religious festival is observed in diverse ways across the country.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican festival celebrated from December 16 to 24 as a part of Christmas. In Canada, this reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter involves nightly processions of candlelight and singing.
Sviata Vechera
Ukrainian for “Holy Supper,” this meal is a central tradition of Christmas Eve celebrations in many Canadian Ukrainian households. The feast features 12 Lenten (meatless) dishes that symbolize the 12 apostles and is preceded by a period of fasting to symbolize Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
Christmas pantos
Inspired by British tradition (dating back to the early 18th century), the holiday pantomime (panto) is often described as chaotic, interactive musical comedy for the whole family. Celebrated and adored in the UK, these plays, usually based loosely on fairy tales or legends, have gained traction as a Christmas tradition in Canada. From kids yelling at the characters to spontaneous audience participation, pantos offer a highly interactive―and fun―theatrical experience that brings people together in a joyful, shared celebration.
The winter solstice
The winter solstice occurs around December 21 each year, marking the year’s shortest day and longest night. Celebrated by various cultures worldwide, it’s a time to honour the rebirth of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead.
In Canada, many Indigenous communities celebrate with drumming, singing, and storytelling ceremonies. For these communities, the winter solstice is a reminder of the interconnectedness and cyclical nature of all life.
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year, is celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East Asian communities in Canada. This festive occasion marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, always falling between February 10 and 24, and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honouring ancestors.
Traditional observance includes cleaning and decorating homes with red lanterns; preparing traditional foods like dumplings, rice cakes, and fish; and culminating in fireworks as well as dragon and lion dances.
Diverse teachings
One of the most significant benefits of living in a multicultural society is the opportunity to learn from one another. Teaching our children about different cultural practices and winter holiday traditions helps cultivate empathy, respect, and a broader understanding of the world. When children see that being different is something to be celebrated, they grow up with a sense of pride in their heritage and an appreciation for the rich diversity around them.
Celebrating together
Shared experiences, like holiday traditions, can build bridges of understanding and create a more inclusive community. Together, we can celebrate our differences and find common ground, creating a future where everyone can feel valued and seen.
A sense of belonging through tradition
Celebrating cultural traditions cultivates a deep sense of belonging and helps make any place feel like home. Engaging in the festivities of your heritage keeps you connected to your roots and reinforces your identity. Learning about and participating in the traditions of friends and neighbours can help promote mutual respect and understanding, helping to forge a strong community spirit and togetherness.
This holiday season, if celebrated in your community, consider attending a Diwali festival, joining a Hanukkah celebration, taking part in a Kwanzaa gathering, or any other seasonal tradition your community celebrates.
This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of alive magazine.
Adam Meyer is a freelance writer, digital creator, and certified holistic nutritionist. Find him on Instagram @thatadammeyer.
Carime Lane
Emilie Richardson-Dupuis
Carole Ames