Peace of Wisdom

Explore Beautiful Cultural Childhood Holiday Festivities Around the World

This is the last month of 2023, and after a year full of ups and downs, highs and lows, it’s time to wrap things up on a reflective and introspective note. It’s natural to feel nostalgic and look inward at this time, pondering on the past and how we can do better in the upcoming year.

But I am injecting a twist by exploring different cultures and how they celebrate their holidays; this can broaden our perspectives and foster a deeper appreciation for diversity.

During the Sundays in December, I will be presenting a series of questions that are holiday-related, with a touch of cultural diversity.

The question this week

What are some childhood holiday memories you have?

Canada

Some Canada Childhood Memories

• Mr. Dressup was a popular children’s television show from 1967 to 1996. The show featured puppets and live actors.
• Field trips to tap maple trees – students would visit a sugar bush to learn about making maple syrup.
• Timbits hockey is a Canadian pastime where young children play hockey on a small rink.
• All-dressed chips: a popular flavored potato chip
• Heritage Minutes is a series of short films about Canadian history shown during commercial breaks.
• Polka Roo – was a mischievous creature named “The Polka Dot Door:
• The Toonie is a two-dollar coin introduced in 1996. A polar bear is on one side, and the Queen is on the other.
• Summer Camp
• Ananas – the francophone pineapple, taught children how to speak French.
• Playing soccer and baseball during recess

14 Things Everyone Who Grew Up In Canada Will Remember (buzzfeed.com)

Pakistan

Some Pakistan Childhood Memories

• Running After Ringing Doorbell
• Breaking Car Window While Playing Cricket
• Playing Ludo and Monopoly with Close Ones
• Putting Stickers on Furniture
• Having a Crush on the Teacher
• Getting beaten by hangers, shoes, bats, hockey, racquets, practically everything your parents could get their hands on.
• Getting Lost in a Crowd
• Crying Before Going to School
• Panicking on Results Day

What is it like to be a Pakistani kid in the United States?

1. When your parents say, “We support you no matter what, “They mean, “We will only support you if you marry a Pakistani doctor with a degree from Harvard and have two beautiful Pakistani babies with him.
2. If you speak in English, they tell you to speak in Urdu, but when you speak Urdu, they make fun of your accent.
3. Parents Yelling into Phone When Making an International Call

14 Things People Who Grew up with Pakistani Parents in the U.S. Have Experienced (bustle.com)

United Kingdom

Some United Kingdom Childhood Memories

• Playing with friends and family members
• Going on family vacations
• Celebrating holidays and birthdays
• Reading books
• Playing with toys
• Enjoying favorite foods
• Watch movies and TV shows.
• Participating in sports and other activities
• Exploring nature

United Kingdom

• British Christmas Celebration
• Watching the Queen or King delivers her speech at 3 pm on Christmas Day
• Decorating the Christmas Tree
• Watch Panto over the holidays.
• Having Turkey as the Holiday centerpiece and mince pies and Christmas pudding as dessert
• Celebrating Boxing Day

United States

Some United States Childhood Memories

• Captain Kangaroo American Children’s Television Series
• Sesame Street American Educational Television Children Series
• Walking home from school and feeling safe.
• Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids American Animated Television Series
• Putting the Christmas Tree up the day after Thanksgiving
• Riding around looking at the Christmas light
• Sitting cookies out for Santa night before Christmas
• Watching Christmas movies *The Christmas Story,
• Writing your wish list for Santa

This is my list on the United States’ childhood memories. As I allowed myself to daydream and go back in time in my mind, I began to smile. I remember watching the Saturday morning cartoons eating my favorite cereal Cheerios with banana and waiting for my next favorite show to come on.

During my initial research for this blog post, I found myself experiencing a sense of nostalgia and happiness. Despite being unfamiliar with the Canadian show “Mr. Dressup” at the outset, I was able to relate to it due to my fond memories of childhood shows like “Mr. Rogers” and “Sesame Street,” which were similar. These shows played a significant role in my upbringing, and I’m sure they did for many others as well, as they were entertaining and educational.

When I compare it to Canada, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, I see some beautiful and funny familiarities—in each culture. How awesome is that.

Moreover,

I realized that sports have a universal appeal that transcends all cultures. Regardless of where you’re from, playing sports is an everyday activity that brings people together and fosters a sense of camaraderie. It’s a great way to stay fit, healthy, and active while developing valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

As I stepped foot in Pakistan, everything felt oddly familiar. It was as if I had been here before and had already experienced the customs and traditions of this land. While I did not partake in ringing my parents’ version of the American way that my brothers found to be a thrilling pastime.

I was amused to discover that having a crush on a teacher was common among the children here.

Moreover, getting lost in a crowd was an everyday experience and something that I had become accustomed to. The Pakistani parents were another source of entertainment for me; their humor and wit reminded me of my parents, but with an American twist. All in all, my experience in Pakistan was one of familiarity and comfort, and I felt right at home.

The United Kingdom there were many similarities for example the turkey being the center of the food celebration and decorating the Christmas tree.

However, I found out that

Pantomime (Panto) is a wonderful and cherished Christmas tradition in the UK. It is a seasonal theatrical production that has been captivating audiences for years. It brings families together for a delightful and magical experience, as it is based on beloved fairy tales.

By embracing diverse holiday customs, we evoke excitement and open ourselves to new perspectives. Our piqued interest in other cultures has the power to unite us, fostering understanding and breaking down barriers. So, let us seize the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of global traditions, adding a refreshing twist to our celebrations and savoring the beauty of cultural diversity.

Do you have some childhood holiday memories you would like to share?