A Lighthearted Perspective on Multiculturalism Over the Holidays
The holidays are like a huge smorgasbord feast in that everyone contributes something
special, and somehow everything works (until Uncle Richard insists on air-frying the
prime rib again). Even while they might be enjoyable, couples from different cultural backgrounds may find
navigating holidays difficult. It takes patience, ingenuity, and a sense of humor to get through cultural diversity
together, from culinary traditions to familial expectations.
Couples can honor both sides of their roots while celebrating the season with these suggestions.
Share Your Traditions
Take turns describing the significance of your holiday rituals
Show photos or videos of past celebrations to bring your partner into your world.
Traditions can be preserved with even the tiniest tasks, such as baking a cake or hanging ornaments.
Combine Your Traditions
Combine different dishes, such as sushi with gingerbread, samosas with stuffing, or tamales with oxtails (sushi and gingerbread might not go over to well…)
Hang ornaments next to a menorah or place Kwanzaa candles next to a fake (not real) Christmas tree (you won’t blame me for burning down your house).
Create a holiday soundtrack that moves from Kendrick Lamar to Taylor Swift to Bad Bunny (be sure Granny’s had a Rum hot toddy first).
Manage Family Expectations
Tell your family how you want to celebrate together.
Annually alternate traditions.
Create traditions unique to your relationship that incorporate both cultures so you’re not just picking one over the other.
Holidays are ultimately about love, thankfulness, and connection. Celebrating together
brings joy, whether you’re eating chicken fried rice, wrapping gifts, or singing off-key to
Whitney Houston.
Couples that value cultural diversity not only survive the holidays but also thrive over the
course of their relationship. By blending traditions, celebrating diversity, and creating new experiences,
you craft a celebration that is uniquely yours. If you would rather volunteer for jury duty rather than to light 9
candles on a menorah, please give us a call at the Center for Couples Counseling. We can help!
Happy Holidays!
My name is Naomi Arceneaux and I am an LPC-Intern at the Center for Couples Counseling. I love working with couples who are ready to stop hiding behind resentment or fear and start showing up with courage and clarity. Even if the future feels uncertain, there’s power in deciding to face it—together. I’m here when you’re looking to bravely move forward. At the Center for Couples Counseling, we specialize in couples therapy, infertility counseling, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, self-care and burnout, and perfectionism. We help couples and individuals in the League City and Houston areas in person, and all residents of the State of Texas online. Call us at (832) 827-3288 to schedule a free phone consultation.
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