Every family is special
A family is a group of people who love and care for each other. Families come in many shapes and sizes.
- some families have a mom and a dad
- some have one parent
- some have two moms or two dads
- some children live with grandparents, aunts or uncles
- some families are formed through adoption or foster care
- some families have lots of children; some have one
Every family is different, and every family is special.
What is a tradition?
A tradition is something a family or group does again and again. Traditions are often passed down from grandparents and parents to children.
Family traditions can be:
- eating pancakes every Sunday morning
- reading a story at bedtime
- a special birthday breakfast
- visiting grandparents on holidays
- singing a special song
- planting a garden every spring
- making a family recipe together
What traditions does your family have?
What is culture?
Culture is the way of life of a group of people. It includes:
| Part of culture | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food | dumplings, bannock, pasta, curry, tacos, perogies |
| Language | English, French, Cree, Spanish, Punjabi, Mandarin, Arabic, and many more |
| Clothing | special outfits for celebrations, like a sari, kilt, hanbok or ribbon skirt |
| Music and dance | drumming, fiddling, powwow dancing, songs |
| Stories | legends, fables and family stories |
| Beliefs | religion and values |
| Celebrations | holidays and special days |
Many families in Canada and the United States have roots in different cultures from around the world, and First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Native American families have cultures that began on this land long ago.
Celebrations
A celebration is a happy event that people share together. Families celebrate many different holidays.
| Celebration | What happens |
|---|---|
| Birthdays | cake, candles and wishes |
| Lunar New Year | red envelopes, dumplings, lion dances |
| Diwali | the festival of lights: lamps, sweets and fireworks |
| Christmas | decorated trees, gifts and family meals |
| Hanukkah | lighting the menorah for eight nights; latkes and dreidels |
| Eid al-Fitr | celebrating the end of Ramadan with prayers, new clothes, gifts and feasts |
| Kwanzaa | celebrating African American culture with candles and community |
| Powwows | dancing, drumming, regalia and gathering for many First Nations |
| Thanksgiving | giving thanks with a family meal |
| Nowruz | the Persian New Year in spring |
Some families celebrate many holidays; some celebrate a few. All are special!
Heritage and ancestors
Heritage means the traditions, stories and belongings passed down from older generations. It might be a recipe, a quilt, a language, a song or a story about where your family came from.
An ancestor is a family member who lived long ago, like your great-great-grandparents. Learning about your ancestors helps you learn about yourself.
Being curious and respectful
When we learn about other families’ traditions and cultures, we:
- ask kind questions: "What do you do on that holiday?"
- listen and learn
- try new foods and games when invited
- never make fun of things that are different
- remember that everyone’s traditions matter
Try it yourself
- Draw a picture of your favourite family tradition.
- Ask a grown-up in your family: "What traditions did you have when you were little?"
- Bring a family recipe, photo or object to share with your class.
- Make a class calendar showing all the celebrations your classmates enjoy.
- Learn to say "hello" in a language someone in your class speaks.
Tip for families
Share a family story or tradition with your child, and talk about where it came from.
Quick recap
- Families come in many shapes and sizes.
- A tradition is something we do again and again.
- Culture includes food, language, clothing, music, beliefs and celebrations.
- Families celebrate many different holidays.
- Heritage is what is passed down from our ancestors.