Let’s face it – we are global citizens now. Thanks to the internet, we are more connected than ever before – why not bring some of this global experience home with you? Here are some creative, and not too boring, ways of incorporating other cultures into your home life and family activities.
Step into Another Culture’s Shoes (Or Slippers)
Imagine this: you’re visiting Japan but have not left your own home! How could this happen? By adopting the Japanese tradition of wearing house slippers. Traditionally in Japan it is customary to take off outdoor shoes before changing into house slippers indoors in order to protect floors while simultaneously relieving stress from the outside world and welcoming serenity of home life. Buy some comfortable house slippers for yourself and make this part of a new family tradition; its symbolic act will leave your worries at the door while welcoming calmness of home life is something everyone could benefit from! This cultural practice makes an excellent cultural exchange opportunity!
Dine Global Gourmet
Let your imagination run wild: imagine indulging in Indian curries, the spicy kick of Mexican chilli or Japanese sushi right in your own kitchen! Food is the universal language; no better way to explore a culture than through its cuisine. Launch an International Dinner Night tradition every week where your family can cook and try dishes from various parts of the globe, not only tantalising your taste buds but also learning their history and significance. From making pasta from scratch like Italians do to creating this super easy pico de gallo recipe – your kids will receive an interactive cultural education! Who knows…maybe one of your little ones could become the next Gordon Ramsay!
Turn a Room into a Cultural Haven
Imagine turning any room of your home into a cultural haven! What could be more inviting? Turn any room or even just an intimate corner into an area dedicated to an aspect of culture you find inspiring. If Buddhism appeals to you, create an inviting meditation space with a Buddha statue, Tibetan prayer flags and soothing incense? Or are you drawn to African art? Add colour and culture to your walls by decorating with African textiles, handmade masks or an authentic Djembe drum – don’t forget the power of literature too! A mini library filled with books from different cultures can transport you around the globe in the flick of a page, creating an immersive space and window into other worlds. Let your imagination guide your path – who knows what adventures await?
Cultural Exchange Anyone?
With technology at your fingertips, connecting with families from various parts of the globe has never been easier. Arrange a virtual cultural exchange where both parties can share and learn from one another’s cultures – an enriching and enjoyable experience for your children!
Making Holidays Multicultural
Want to add some spice and foreign flavours to your holiday traditions this year? Whether Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or Halloween comes around – take this as an opportunity to embrace multicultural magic into your celebrations. Why not mark Chinese New Year with a parade of homemade dragon puppets, bring India’s vibrant colours into your home through the Diwali festival of lights or celebrate Cinco de Mayo by organising a family-friendly fiesta? Your kids will love smashing a pinata and you’ll score major parent points! For added adventure, why not introduce new cultural celebrations each year? Not only would that keep the kids interested but it will keep their imaginations running wild too! In today’s global village celebrations are never too far away, so feel free to deck your halls with boughs of multicultural festivity!
Language Lessons at the Dinner Table
Learning a foreign language can be an exhilarating endeavour! Involve your family in taking up this worthwhile endeavour each week by studying just a few words or phrases from one language or another – making dinner time into an interactive linguistic lesson, and developing both your linguistic skills as well as appreciation of different cultures.
Diverse Bookshelf, Global Minds
Integrating literature from different cultures into your home library is another fantastic way of exposing your family to different worldviews and cultures. Reading stories set in other countries or cultures will help your kids build empathy and appreciation of our increasingly interconnected planet – not to mention, who doesn’t love a good story?
Explore the World Through Music and Dance
Music and dance are universal languages that communicate the history, traditions, and spirit of different cultures. By exposing your family to musical genres from all corners of the globe – music from many parts of Africa for instance – they can gain an intimate glimpse into these soulful societies. Even better if you learn some dance steps together it would create a great bonding experience!
Photo by Saksham Gangwar on Unsplash
Cultural diversity adds colour and vibrancy to everyday life. By integrating elements of different cultures into your home and family life, not only will you experience an array of exciting cultural encounters but you also instil within them an appreciation and respect for cultural differences. Every step you take toward celebrating cultural diversity makes the world more connected, understanding, and vibrant; don’t wait – start your intercultural journey today!
