Holiday Ideas Anyone?
Jeff and I are compiling a list (something we do with almost as much regularity as Jen) detailing ways to combine Russian holiday traditions with those that are typically "American." Of course, my "American" holiday contains traditions from my Italian side, and Jeff brings in traditions from his German side.
So, for those of you who have adopted, or are planning to adopt children from Eastern Europe, how do you plan to incorporate your child's culture into the holiday festivities? I'm thinking of posting a thread on FRUA as well.
For my readers who are not adoptive families for Russian children, are there any special holiday traditions you would like to share? And no Cathy, Festivus doesn't count!
So, for those of you who have adopted, or are planning to adopt children from Eastern Europe, how do you plan to incorporate your child's culture into the holiday festivities? I'm thinking of posting a thread on FRUA as well.
For my readers who are not adoptive families for Russian children, are there any special holiday traditions you would like to share? And no Cathy, Festivus doesn't count!
I just posted somewhere else that I think the celebration of Maslenitsa is one that I'll continue. (I blogged about it last year...search for "Maslenitsa".)
It's a welcoming of spring, a holiday of reconciliation. During the week each day has a special activity. You eat pancakes, have a bonfire, etc.
I plan to have a Maslenitsa party for my daughter(s) and her/their friends every spring.
One thing I really really loved and have amazing memories of last year with princess and sweet pea was a Christmas Eve snow walk. We attended a children's service at the Church at around 4 or 5pm, then came home and walked (or skipped singing carols) throught the neighbourhood looking at all the lights. We all picked favourites. We then came home and had a Christmas Eve buffet which they LOVED! We had loads of different types of food from their heritage, American, Italian, UK, and many other - it was a real eclectic mix. We then broke out the tins of baking! After that was PJ's, a fire, a movie and letter to Santa, before bed! It was a very very special memory. Because I didn't want the kids to get too overstimulated, we had company on Christmas Day, but kept Christmas Eve for just us. It was my most special memory - especially the part where they said a prayer looking at the roaring fire, and when princess skipped all the way around the block singing songs way way way out of tune!
Another thing we did was visit the zoo on Boxing Day (26th). We went for about 3 hours and saw the animals getting special Christmas treats. There was a special drive for clothing and food for the poor and so the children each picked out food and warm clothes for a family. It was a good way to remember what Christmas is really about.
Thanks Kates! I love both of your suggestions. I'll have to research Maslenitsa a bit more and find ways to incorporate it into our traditions. I also like the Christmas Eve snow walk. We don't have much snow here in California, but we can still do a Christmas Eve walk.
Thanks for sharing!
I know that I am going to purchase some of those awesome looking Russian Christmas stockings. I am sure they will have other Christmas items that we will have to bring home.
OF course this is hoping that we bring her home before Christmas! Did you like being in Russia before Christmas? What was it like? Was it decorated?
Russia was beautiful around Christmas time! There were lit Christmas trees in nearly every plaza, and there were lights draped across the main streets Everything was very festive, even the techno versions of Christmas carols that played on the radio! I hope you do get out to Russia to pick up Pineapple before Christmas Jen. Not only would it be great to have her home for the holiday, but it would also be nice to see Russia gear up for Christmas and New Year's firsthand.
Here's my post on Maslenitsa last year:
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=13971002&postID=114123127103229673
It might give you some ideas...
Jeneflower, Russia is beautiful at Christmas time! Last year we had all sorts of light up during December. And, since Orthodox Christmas is in January, they stay up a long time. Look for Dyed Moros (Grandfather Frost) and Snegoritchka (the snow maiden) while you're here.
hey Jenni
I was thinking of you today when I read something about Adoptive Families magazine doing a piece on traditions. Do you get the magazine?
Thanks for your reply! It sounds like it is gorgeous there for the holidays!
You know, we don't get Adoptive Families Magazine! We probably should, and I'm not sure why I've never subscribed, but I'll definitely look into that issue. Is it the one for November?