Hello dear readers,
One of the most beautiful things about living in Canada is how our celebrations reflect the world’s diversity. From the glow of Thanksgiving candles to the sparkle of Diwali lights, from carols at Christmas to fireworks on Canada Day — our festivals tell a story of togetherness.
Over the years, as a mother, teacher, and homemaker, I’ve learned that festivals are not just about food or decorations. They’re about belonging. They remind us that even in a fast-paced, modern life, there are moments when we pause, gather, and give thanks — together.
In this piece, I’d love to take you on a gentle journey through some of Canada’s beloved festivals — old and new, traditional and global — and share how we, as families, can celebrate them in meaningful, inclusive ways.
The Heart of Canadian Celebration
Canada is a country woven from many threads — Indigenous heritage, European traditions, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, African and Caribbean cultures, and everything in between.
Every community brings its own colors, music, and flavors, and together they form a vibrant tapestry of celebration.
What I love most about Canadian festivals is that they’re not just “ours” or “theirs.” They’re shared. Whether you’re attending a Lunar New Year parade in Vancouver, tasting samosas during Diwali in Toronto, or enjoying a powwow in Manitoba, you’re part of a national mosaic that celebrates humanity in all its warmth and color.
Thanksgiving – A Season of Gratitude
Let’s begin with one of Canada’s most beloved holidays — Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October.
For me, Thanksgiving has always been about gratitude. The leaves turn golden, the air carries the scent of cinnamon and roasted turkey, and families gather to share stories and meals.
When my children were young, we’d make a “gratitude tree.” Each of us would write something we were thankful for on colorful paper leaves and hang them on a small branch centerpiece. By the end of the evening, it looked like a tree full of love.
How to celebrate meaningfully:
- Cook together: Invite everyone — even the little ones — to help in the kitchen. A pie made together tastes better than one made alone.
- Give back: Deliver homemade food to a neighbor or volunteer at a community center. Gratitude grows when it’s shared.
- Reflect: Take a moment before the meal to share what you’re thankful for.
Thanksgiving reminds us that abundance is not measured in wealth, but in togetherness.
Diwali – The Festival of Lights
In recent years, Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — has become a shining part of Canada’s multicultural celebration calendar. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Even if you’re not from an Indian background, Diwali’s message of hope and renewal speaks to everyone.
When our family attended a local Diwali celebration for the first time, I was enchanted by the colors — vibrant saris, glowing diyas (lamps), and the aroma of sweets like laddoos and jalebi. My children loved lighting small candles by the window, their faces glowing in the warm light.
How to celebrate inclusively:
- Light diyas or candles to bring positive energy and brightness into your home.
- Share food: Indian sweets and snacks are delicious ways to connect cultures. Try making simple treats like coconut barfi or buying from a local South Asian bakery.
- Learn and appreciate: Read about the meaning of Diwali or attend a community event. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about the beauty of diversity.
Diwali teaches us that no matter who we are, we can all be a light in someone’s life.
Christmas – Joy, Giving, and Togetherness
For many Canadian families, Christmas is the heart of winter — a season filled with joy, reflection, and community.
Growing up, Christmas in our home was about more than gifts. It was about the scent of pine and cinnamon, the sound of laughter, and the joy of giving.
I still remember helping my children decorate cookies, the kitchen dusted with flour and sugar, while carols played softly in the background. We’d hang stockings, write letters to Santa, and attend our local church’s candlelight service.
But over the years, I’ve also learned that Christmas in Canada takes many forms — from the Filipino Simbang Gabi celebrations to Ukrainian Kutya feasts. Our country embraces every tradition, reminding us that the true spirit of the season is kindness.
Family ideas for a meaningful Christmas:
- Make handmade gifts: They carry love that store-bought ones can’t replace.
- Host a multicultural dinner: Invite friends of different backgrounds and ask them to share a dish from their tradition.
- Give back: Donate winter clothes, toys, or meals to families in need.
Christmas reminds us that warmth comes not from fireplaces, but from hearts that care.
Lunar New Year – Welcoming Prosperity and Peace
Every January or February, communities across Canada light up to celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, Vietnamese Tết, or Korean Seollal.
It’s a time of new beginnings — of cleaning homes to sweep away the old year’s misfortunes and welcoming good luck and joy.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending Lunar New Year festivals in Toronto and Vancouver. The parades, the red lanterns, and the dragon dances are simply magical! My favorite part, however, is the sense of community — families coming together, children receiving red envelopes, and everyone sharing delicious food.
How families can join the joy:
- Decorate with red and gold: These colors symbolize luck and happiness.
- Try traditional dishes: Dumplings, noodles, and spring rolls are delicious symbols of prosperity.
- Teach children about respect: In many Asian cultures, honoring elders is a key part of the celebration — a value that beautifully aligns with family warmth.
Even if your family doesn’t traditionally celebrate it, embracing the Lunar New Year is a way to honor the multicultural heartbeat of Canada.
Canada Day – Unity in Diversity
July 1st — Canada Day — is our chance to celebrate the country we call home. From coast to coast, families come together for barbecues, fireworks, and community picnics.
But for me, Canada Day is more than red shirts and maple leaf flags. It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come — and how we continue to grow as an inclusive, multicultural nation.
Ideas for a meaningful celebration:
- Host a multicultural potluck: Invite neighbors and ask everyone to bring a dish from their culture. You’ll have the world on your plate!
- Learn Indigenous history: Before celebrating, take time to acknowledge the land and learn about the First Nations who have lived here for generations.
- Celebrate unity: Canada’s strength lies in its compassion and diversity. Let that be the heart of your gathering.
Canada Day reminds us that patriotism isn’t just pride — it’s empathy, respect, and gratitude.
Eid al-Fitr – The Joy of Sharing
Another beautiful celebration that has found a home in Canada is Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims around the world.
Eid mornings are filled with prayer, greetings, and delicious feasts shared with loved ones. I remember visiting a friend’s home during Eid — the table was full of biryani, kebabs, and sweet sheer khurma (a creamy dessert with vermicelli and dates). But what I remember most was the joy — the laughter, the generosity, and the sense of gratitude.
How to embrace the spirit of Eid:
- Visit or invite friends who celebrate it and wish them “Eid Mubarak.”
- Share food: Even a small gesture, like exchanging sweets, builds bridges of friendship.
- Teach children about compassion: The message of Eid is giving — to family, to friends, and to those in need.
Eid reminds us that the act of sharing is the truest form of celebration.
Embracing All Cultures, One Family at a Time
One of the great joys of raising a family in Canada is watching children grow up surrounded by people of all backgrounds. They learn early that diversity is not something to tolerate — it’s something to treasure.
In our home, we’ve made it a tradition to celebrate a little bit of everything. We light candles for Diwali, cook latkes during Hanukkah, watch fireworks on Canada Day, and bake cookies at Christmas.
Each celebration adds another layer to our family’s understanding of the world — and brings us closer as Canadians.
Small Ways to Make Festivals Inclusive
Here are a few simple ways to celebrate inclusively as a family:
- Learn before you celebrate. Teach children the meaning and history behind each festival.
- Share stories. Ask friends or neighbors how they celebrate their traditions.
- Include everyone. Festivals are for all — regardless of faith or background.
- Mix traditions. Serve turkey alongside samosas, or light a diya next to a Christmas candle. Harmony can be delicious!
- Be respectful. Every tradition carries deep meaning — approach it with curiosity and kindness.
Final Thoughts
As I sit by my window on a cool autumn evening, watching the last golden leaves fall, I realize how truly blessed we are to live in a country where celebrations cross cultures, languages, and faiths.
From Thanksgiving’s gratitude to Diwali’s light, from Christmas joy to Eid generosity, every festival reminds us of one thing: we are all connected.
So whether your home glows with candles, lanterns, or fairy lights — let it also glow with compassion. Let your table be full not just of food, but of understanding. Let your celebrations be not only about tradition, but about togetherness.
Because in the end, the most beautiful festival is the one where every heart feels welcome.
With love and light,
Octavia O