New traditions

Taking a cue from the distinct holidays of Alberta’s many cultures, discover a new way to celebrate the season.

Story by Deepti Babu •  photograph by Dustin Delfs

When I was younger, I used to think the winter holidays would never arrive. I especially looked forward to the food, because there was always something magical about the special meals served during the holidays. Someone once told me, it should be called “the eating season,” and I agree because this best describes the final months of the year.

As Albertans, we represent a variety of different cultures and we celebrate many holidays throughout the year, each with their own distinct traditions. Here are just a few different cultural traditions with some ideas that you can incorporate into your own holiday celebrations this year.

East Indian

My family’s East Indian holiday traditions naturally come to mind. For Hindus, Deewali (the Festival of Lights) represents new beginnings. Deewali occurs in the fall and lasts for five days, after which the Hindu New Year begins. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty, is said to bring good fortune during this time.

Elaborate vegetarian meals and snacks are often part of Deewali – from savoury nut and cracker mixes to pastries filled with fresh coconut, raisins, nuts and spices. Spending time with family and friends is important, as is sharing an endless assortment of sweets and goodies.

Try an Indian version of rice pudding: gently warm creamy rice pudding on the stove and stir in one or two split cardamom pods (found in the ethnic food aisles of many local supermarkets), some cashew halves and golden raisins for a few minutes. Remove the cardamom and serve warm.

German

For those of German ancestry, Christmas Day might be spent quietly with family and dinner could include roast hare. Punch, wine and beautiful holiday cookies are always around, along with plenty of fruits and nuts. 

Try a German-inspired main course this year. Visit a butcher or your local grocery store and request a goose or special cut of pork for roasting.

Italian

According to Italian tradition, Christmas Day may not pass so quietly.  Stuffed cookies called petralli (or petrali), made about a week before Christmas, are given to all who visit, so it is wise to save your appetite. “Italian women who make these cookies take great offense if you do not try their petralli,” says Demetria Cucinotta, whose parents came to Canada from southern Italy about 50 years ago.

Visiting family and friends at Christmas is a tradition in Italy, and one cannot go without a small gift. Try our petralli recipe and make your own to give as a gift when visiting family and friends during the holidays.

Mexican

The New Year brings special holiday celebrations as well. January 6th is the Fiesta de los Santos Reyes (the Coming of the Kings) in Mexico. Traditionally, a ring-shaped bread with candied fruits is shared. Hidden in the bread is a tiny figurine; whoever finds the figurine is obliged to host a party for all on the second of February.

Warm beverages are perfect for Alberta’s icy winters, so try a Mexican hot chocolate (found in the ethnic food aisles of some local supermarkets or in Latin markets). It’s a mixture of cocoa, cinnamon and other aromatic spices. Melt it into milk on the stove until the fragrance makes your mouth water – that’s when you’ll know it’s ready.

Ukranian

Ukrainian Christmas festivities begin on Christmas Eve (celebrated on December 24 or January 6) with the traditional 12 symbolic meatless dishes. The most significant dish is kutia – boiled wheat mixed with poppy seeds and honey – and everyone enjoys a spoonful. “The kernels of grain symbolize the ancestors in the clan,” explains Nadya Foty, researcher and archivist at the University of Alberta’s Ukrainian Folklore Centre. This is followed by dishes such as borscht (beet soup), varenyky (boiled dumplings), a variety of fish, and holubtsi (cabbage rolls).

Include a Ukrainian tradition and set an extra place at your holiday table. This recognizes any family members who cannot be with you .

With today’s blended families, different holiday traditions are becoming a natural part of many celebrations. Despite their differences, they share the common themes of magnificent feasts and time spent with loved ones. No matter what the culture, this is always a winning combination.