Carrying the Diwali Spirit into the Holiday Season

As South Asian parents raising kids in the U.S., the holiday season often feels like a blend of traditions. With Diwali behind us, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are fast approaching—a perfect time to carry Diwali’s warmth and joy forward. Bringing our culture into the holiday season creates a meaningful connection for our kids, teaching them how traditions can evolve while still honoring their roots. Here are some simple, festive ways to keep the spirit of Diwali alive as we transition into the winter holidays.

1. Keep Those Diwali Lights Glowing

One of the best parts of Diwali is the glow of diyas and string lights throughout the house. Why not keep that light and warmth up a little longer? Diwali lights can stay up through Thanksgiving and even Christmas by adding seasonal touches—like autumn wreaths or winter greenery—that complement both holidays. This cozy mix of Diwali and holiday decor can create a welcoming space for gatherings of all kinds.

Family Tip: For Thanksgiving, try lighting a diya or candle and taking turns to share something meaningful or something you’re grateful for. It’s a lovely way to keep Diwali’s spirit of gratitude alive through the rest of the holiday season.

2. Showcase Cultural Pride Through Holiday Outfits

A simple way to blend South Asian and American traditions is to incorporate ethnic wear into holiday gatherings. For Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, adding a touch of South Asian style—like pairing a lehenga skirt with a cozy sweater, or wearing a kurta with jeans—gives a subtle ethnic flair to any event. It’s a great way to let kids express their heritage, showing family and friends the beauty of our traditional clothing.

Fashion Tip: Aarika’s Closet has cozy, comfortable ethnic wear options for kids, perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties, or winter celebrations. These designs allow kids to celebrate in style without sacrificing comfort.

3. Dance and Music: Keep the Festive Vibe Going

Music and dance are at the heart of so many of our celebrations. A family playlist mixing Diwali tunes, Bollywood hits, and holiday favorites is a wonderful way to bring Diwali’s energy into the winter holidays. Play it while decorating or during family gatherings to make your home feel vibrant, warm, and connected to both cultures.

You can even make dance a fun tradition! After Thanksgiving dinner or at a holiday party, try a mini dance-off or teach some Bollywood steps. Kids love it, and it’s a way for them to enjoy their culture in a fun, engaging way.

Playlist Tip: Create a playlist with holiday songs mixed with Bollywood favorites or festive folk music, and let kids add their own picks. This is a wonderful way to blend both traditions while keeping the holiday season lively and unique.

4. Add a South Asian Twist to Holiday Meals

Food is at the heart of all celebrations, and it’s so rewarding to mix South Asian flavors into classic holiday dishes. Adding a touch of spice or an Indian-inspired side dish to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner brings our heritage to the table and sparks curiosity among friends and family.

This year, try spicing up your Thanksgiving table with a flavorful chutney or add cumin to mashed potatoes. For Friendsgiving, chaat or pakoras make great appetizers everyone will enjoy. And for dessert, think about adding cardamom, saffron, or rose flavors—small additions that make holiday meals feel like a true blend of cultures.

Recipe Inspiration: Check out Love Laugh Mirch for fusion recipes, like a Zucchini Holiday Bread or Saffron Cake, and Milk & Cardamom for a delicious Pomegranate Pani Puri.

5. Diwali-Inspired DIYs with the Kids

Crafting together is a fun way to engage kids while introducing them to South Asian traditions. This season, try Diwali-inspired crafts that double as holiday decor! Along with painting diyas and designing paper Rangolis, consider making South Asian-inspired ornaments with Rangoli patterns, mirror work, or sari designs. Kids will love decorating these for the holiday tree, creating unique pieces that reflect their heritage.

Busy Parent Tip: If DIY projects are too much, consider supporting small businesses that offer beautiful handmade decor. For unique, ready-made items, check out Modern Desi or Creative Crafty Mom for Holiday-inspired decor.

As we move through the holiday season, it’s natural for kids to sometimes feel shy about their cultural roots. By blending Diwali’s festive spirit with Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions, we create a holiday season rich in meaning and connection, reminding our kids that traditions are flexible, fun, and always to be cherished.