Celebrating Cultural Holidays with AuPairCare: A Year-Round Guide

Celebrating cultural and international holidays helps support AuPairCare's mission of providing an enriching cultural exchange experience through live-in childcare. As a leader in this field, AuPairCare recognizes that these celebrations are more than just festive occasions; they are invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. By participating in holidays from your au pair's home country or exploring traditions from around the world, families can build deeper, more meaningful connections with their au pairs. These celebrations not only bring joy and understanding into homes but also foster a global perspective, enriching the lives of children and families alike. Embracing cultural diversity through holiday celebrations helps au pairs and host families share and learn from each other's traditions, creating a warm and inclusive environment that exemplifies the spirit of AuPairCare.

January: Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday celebrated in many East Asian countries. This festive occasion marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and ancient traditions.

When is Lunar New Year?

The date varies each year but typically falls between mid-January to mid-February.

In China, the celebrations can last up to 15 days and involve fireworks displays, dragon dances, and elaborate feasts. In South Korea, it's called Seollal and often includes ancestral memorial services and wearing traditional clothing called hanbok. Au pairs from Thailand may celebrate the Lunar New Year with their own local customs as well as honoring Chinese traditions in areas such as Bangkok’s Chinatown. Each country has its unique customs, but all share the common theme of new beginnings and honoring ancestors.

Tips for Celebrating the Lunar New Year with Children:

Decorate the house with red lanterns and symbols of good luck such as oranges, tangerines, and red envelopes.
Teach children about the zodiac animal for that year and have them make related crafts or drawings.
Cook traditional dishes together and explain their significance, such as dumplings in China symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Have a family dinner featuring Asian foods and invite friends or other au pairs to join in on the festivities.

Celebrating Lunar New Year with your au pair can be a delightful experience that fosters cultural exchange and strengthens bonds. Celebrating Lunar New Year with an Asian au pair can enrich the festivities, offering unique insights into their customs and celebrations, although Lunar New Year can be celebrated with an au pair of any background! Engaging in activities like cooking traditional foods, decorating the home, and creating crafts together not only teaches children about the significance of the holiday but also allows for shared moments of joy and learning. By incorporating elements from your au pair’s background, you create a festive atmosphere that celebrates diversity and the joy of new beginnings.

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February: Carnival

Carnival, or Carnaval in Portuguese, is a major celebration in Brazil and other Latin American countries. It's a vibrant and colorful festival that takes place before the start of Lent, 40 days before Easter. The festivities include parades, music, dancing, street parties, and elaborate costumes.

When is Carnival?

The dates vary each year but typically take place between late February to early March.

In Brazil, the most famous carnival celebration happens in Rio de Janeiro with its world-renowned samba parade. However, other cities such as Salvador and Recife also have their unique celebrations with different styles of music and dance.

Tips for Celebrating Carnival with Children:

Watch videos or documentaries about the history and significance of Carnival to better understand its roots.
Create colorful costumes and props using recycled materials and have a mini parade in the house.
Make traditional Brazilian treats such as brigadeiros, beijinhos, or pão de queijo together.
Listen to different styles of music from Latin American countries and learn some dance moves together.

Celebrating holidays and festivals from different cultures is a great way to expose children to new traditions and foster a sense of appreciation for diversity. It's also an opportunity for au pairs to share their own culture with the host family and create lasting memories. So, don't be afraid to join in on the fun and embrace the vibrant spirit of Carnival with these fun Carnival activities for kids!

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March: Holi

Holi is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries. Also known as the "Festival of Colors," Holi marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This vibrant festival is filled with music, dance, and throwing colorful powders on others to represent the coming together of people from all walks of life.

When is Holi Celebrated?

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar.

Tips for Celebrating Holi with Children:

Wear white clothes to fully embrace the colorful experience.
Play with colored water guns or water balloons outdoors.
Try traditional Indian dishes such as thandai or gujiya.
Attend a local Holi celebration or host your own with friends and family.

Holi is a fun and joyful celebration that promotes love, forgiveness, and unity. It's a great opportunity for au pairs to learn about Indian culture and join in on the festivities with their host family. So, get ready to splash some color and enjoy the lively spirit of Holi!

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April: Songkran

Songkran is a traditional Thai New Year celebration. It's also known as the "Water Festival" as it involves throwing water on others to wash away bad luck and start the new year fresh. Songkran is a fun and energetic festival where people dance, play games, and visit temples to make offerings.

When is Songkran?

Songkran takes place from April 13th to 15th.

Tips for Celebrating Songkran with Children:

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet.
Bring water guns or join in on public water fights.
Visit a temple to participate in traditional rituals and receive blessings.
Try Thai street food recipes and drinks like mango sticky rice or cha yen (Thai iced tea).

Celebrating Songkran is a unique and memorable experience that allows au pairs and their host children to immerse themselves in Thai culture. It's a time for new beginnings, gratitude, and connecting with loved ones. So, don't forget to wish others a "Suk San Wan Songkran" (Happy Songkran) and join in on the water fun!

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May: Cinco de Mayo

Often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant and lively celebration that has become popular in many countries around the world.

When is Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5th to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire in 1862.

Tips for Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Children:

Make homemade pinatas and have a fun game of breaking them open.
Learn traditional Mexican dances like salsa or cumbia.
Decorate with bright colors and symbols such as papel picado (colorful tissue paper banners) and papel maché maracas.
Try traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and churros.

By celebrating Cinco de Mayo with children, au pairs can teach them about the rich history and culture of Mexico while also having a fun and festive time. If your family is hosting a Mexican au pair, this is the perfect opportunity to share your cultures in celebration! So put on your sombrero and shout "Viva Mexico!" in celebration!

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June: Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated in many East Asian countries, including China and Taiwan. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar, which usually lands in June on the Gregorian calendar.

Origin of Dragon Boat Festival

The festival is said to have originated from an ancient Chinese poet and statesman named Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period. Legend has it that after being exiled for speaking out against corrupt rulers, Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river out of despair. The local villagers raced out in their boats to search for his body while beating drums and throwing rice dumplings into the river to keep fish from eating it.

When is the Dragon Boat Festival?

In 2021, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 14. However, in some countries like Singapore and Malaysia, it is celebrated as a public holiday on the following day if it falls on a weekend.

How is the Dragon Boat Festival Celebrated?

The festival is typically celebrated with dragon boat races, where teams of rowers compete against each other in long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. These races symbolize the villagers' attempt to save Qu Yuan or retrieve his body from the river.

Other traditions include eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) and hanging calamus plants around the house for good luck and protection.

Tips for Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival With Children

If possible, attend a local dragon boat race with your kids to experience the excitement and cultural significance of the festival.
Involve children in making zongzi or other traditional treats. It's a great way to teach them about different cultures and cuisines.
Teach children the legend of Qu Yuan and why Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated.
Make traditional crafts such as calamus decorations or paper dragons with your kids.

Dragon Boat Festival is a fun and meaningful holiday that celebrates Chinese culture and traditions. It's a great opportunity for families to come together, learn about different customs, and have fun!

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September: Chuseok

Chuseok, also known as the Korean Thanksgiving, is a three-day harvest festival celebrated in South Korea. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually lands in September or October.

History and Significance of Chuseok

Chuseok has been celebrated for over 2,000 years and is rooted in the ancient tradition of honoring ancestors and giving thanks for a successful harvest season. It was declared an official national holiday in 1985.

During this time, families gather to pay respects to their ancestors by visiting their graves and holding memorial services. They also perform traditional rituals such as preparing food offerings and dancing under the full moon.

`Tips for celebrating Chuseok with children`

Chuseok is a family-centered holiday that children can participate in and learn from. Some ways to involve them in the celebrations include:

Helping with preparing food offerings or making songpyeon, a traditional rice cake
Participating in traditional games and activities such as ssireum (Korean wrestling) or yutnori (a board game)
Learning about Korean culture and traditions through books, videos, or online resources

Chuseok is a meaningful holiday that not only celebrates the harvest season but also teaches children about the importance of family, respect for ancestors, and gratitude. By involving them in the celebrations, they can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their heritage. So whether you celebrate Dragon Boat Festival or Chuseok with your kids, it's an opportunity to create lasting memories and pass down cultural traditions to future generations.

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October: Diwali

History and Significance of Diwali

Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of South Asia. It has its roots in ancient Hindu mythology and is linked to various religious stories, including the return of Lord Rama from exile after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Today, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world as a symbol of victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and gift-giving.

When is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali falls in the months of October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. It is typically celebrated over five days, with the main day falling on the darkest night (amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartik.

Traditions and Celebrations

The celebrations for Diwali vary from region to region, but some common traditions include:

Cleaning and decorating homes with lights and colorful rangoli designs
Lighting diyas (oil lamps) or candles to symbolize inner light and spiritual awakening
Exchanging gifts and sweets with friends and family
Preparing special festive meals and offering prayers to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity
Setting off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits

Celebrating Diwali with Kids

Diwali is a perfect opportunity to involve children in learning about Hindu culture and traditions. Here are some ways to celebrate Diwali with kids:

Decorate your home together: Get creative with your kids by decorating your home with lights, rangoli designs, or even making your own diyas.
Make traditional sweets: Involve your kids in the kitchen by teaching them how to make traditional Indian sweets like ladoos or barfis.
Learn about Diwali stories: Share the ancient stories behind Diwali with your children through books, videos, or storytelling.
Participate in community events: Many communities hold Diwali celebrations with cultural performances and activities for kids to enjoy.
Teach the value of giving: Encourage your kids to donate toys or clothes to those in need as a way to spread love and kindness during Diwali.

The Message of Diwali

At its core, Diwali is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It reminds us to let go of negativity and embrace positivity and inner peace. This message resonates with people from all backgrounds and makes Diwali a truly universal festival. So whether you celebrate it for religious reasons or just for the joy of it, Diwali is a time to come together, spread happiness and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Happy Diwali!

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November: Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and colorful holiday celebrated in Mexico. It's actually a joyful celebration of life and honoring loved ones who have passed away.

When is Día de los Muertos?

It falls on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the Catholic calendar.

Altars are created to honor ancestors and feature offerings such as their favorite foods, photos, candles, and marigold flowers. Families also visit cemeteries to clean gravesites and leave offerings for their loved ones. In some regions, there are parades and street festivals with music, dancing, and traditional costumes.

Celebrating Día de los Muertos with Children:

Make paper decorations such as papel picado or skeletons out of tissue paper to decorate the house.
Have children help create an altar with items that represent a loved one they want to remember. This could be a grandparent, pet, or even a famous historical figure.
Look up traditional recipes for foods commonly eaten during this holiday, such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), and make them together.
Watch movies or read books that center around Día de los Muertos to educate children about the holiday's significance and traditions.
Attend a cultural event or parade in your local community to experience the vibrant energy of this holiday.

By celebrating Día de los Muertos with kids, the whole family can learn about different cultures and develop an appreciation for honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away. It also provides an opportunity for families to come together and create meaningful memories. So consider incorporating this colorful and rich holiday into your experience with an au pair!

Celebrate Cultural Holidays Year-Round with AuPairCare

Incorporating cultural holidays with your au pair enriches not only your understanding of diverse traditions but also fosters deeper connections with your host family. By participating in various celebrations, you can share joy, create lasting memories, and engage in meaningful dialogues about heritage and customs. Whether it's through vibrant festivals, traditional foods, or community events, every holiday presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and honour the stories and values that shape our world. Embrace the chance to explore, learn, and immerse yourself in the beauty of cultural diversity throughout your au pair journey!

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