The holiday season in Canada is more than a festive timeāit’s an opportunity for connection. For newcomers, integrating into Canadian society often starts with embracing local traditions while cherishing their own.
A recent survey reveals that over two in five South Asian Canadians not born in Canada celebrate both Christmas and Diwali, indicating multicultural integration doesn’t require leaving behind one’s heritage but can involve weaving it into a broader Canadian culture.
Building Connections
For newcomers who wish to build new relationships with the broader community, celebrating holidays like Christmas can be an opportunity to bond with neighbors and make new friends. There are plenty of opportunities during this period to share meals and fun times.
As a newcomer from India residing in Toronto, celebrating Christmas and visiting Christmas markets and festivals allows me to feel part of the community while also sharing my own cultural traditions. Although I grew up celebrating Diwali, Iāve been amazed by how welcoming and inclusive the Canadian holiday season feels. My first Christmas here was a wonderful mix of curiosity and joy. I remember attending a neighbourhood tree-lighting ceremonyāstanding in the cold with a warm cup of cocoa, surrounded by people of all ages singing carols. It was such a simple yet beautiful moment of shared joy and connection that it reminded me of the togetherness I felt during Diwali back home.
This openness to participating in different multicultural celebrations builds connections and creates shared experiences among diverse groups.
Inclusive Marketing is Changing the Narrative
Businesses and marketers are taking note, creating campaigns that reflect Canadaās diversity. Inclusive marketing strategies not only resonate with a broader audience but also demonstrate a commitment to representing all Canadians.
āRepresentation is important,ā explains Lise Alain, President at LAT Multilingual, residing in Vancouver. āWhen brands recognize Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas alongside each other, theyāre not just sellingātheyāre building more meaningful engagement with their audiences.ā
Retail campaigns culturally adapted to specific audiences, such as Diwali-themed home dĆ©cor or food items for the Lunar New Year are more frequent now. This inclusive approach to customer engagement goes beyond catering to specific groups; it invites all Canadians to learn and partake in one another’s traditions.
Holidays as a Gateway to Integration
The holiday season in Canada is more than just a time for celebrationāit’s an opportunity for connection and integration. By participating in a variety of multicultural festivities, newcomers find their place in the community, and all Canadians benefit from the diverse traditions that make up the country’s identity.
Over the two years since I made Canada my home, Iāve found ways to integrate the holidays into my own traditions. Hosting a Diwali dinner has become my way of sharing the flavors, lights, and stories of my heritage with friends from different backgrounds. At the same time, we like to embrace Canadian traditions by attending Christmas potlucks, exchanging Secret Santa gifts, and even learning to ice skate (though Iām still not great at it). These special moments with my Canadian friends have not only helped me feel part of the community but also made me cherish the unique diversity that makes celebrating the holidays in Canada so special.
