Culture Crawl
This section includes a peek at the latest in theater, reviews of women-only exhibits, reflections on something interesting in film,
a snapshot of cultural or community events and experiences, etc.
a snapshot of cultural or community events and experiences, etc.
Culture for Christmas: A Family Tradition of Experiences Over Gifts
December 2024
December 2024
Jenipher and Family
(Chocolate Tour During Last Day in Geneva)
(Chocolate Tour During Last Day in Geneva)
By Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius
The season of Christmas holds so many possibilities beyond the rush of shopping, wrapping, and the opening of gifts. For our family, Christmas has never been about stacks of presents under the tree. Instead, it’s become a time to pack our bags and journey somewhere new — a chance to celebrate the season through the lens of different cultures, food and traditions that we all learn about together.
Our journey began when our first daughter was just eight months old, and we took our first "Culture for Christmas" trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Even though she was young, we wanted her to grow up knowing that Christmas could mean more than just gifts; it could mean connection, adventure, and an appreciation for the world’s diversity. Our trips have been fortunate family experiences, too, as my husband’s entire family often joins us. Together, we dive into the Christmas feel of each new place, embracing the traditions, cuisine, and cultural nuances that make each country’s holiday season unique.
Memorable Places and Experiences
Over the years, we’ve chosen places that offer both a beautiful holiday ambiance and rich cultural experiences, and the memories we’ve made are deeply meaningful.
Our journey began when our first daughter was just eight months old, and we took our first "Culture for Christmas" trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Even though she was young, we wanted her to grow up knowing that Christmas could mean more than just gifts; it could mean connection, adventure, and an appreciation for the world’s diversity. Our trips have been fortunate family experiences, too, as my husband’s entire family often joins us. Together, we dive into the Christmas feel of each new place, embracing the traditions, cuisine, and cultural nuances that make each country’s holiday season unique.
Memorable Places and Experiences
Over the years, we’ve chosen places that offer both a beautiful holiday ambiance and rich cultural experiences, and the memories we’ve made are deeply meaningful.
Jenipher and Family
(First Culture for Christmas Experience ~ Lisbon, Portugal)
(First Culture for Christmas Experience ~ Lisbon, Portugal)
Lisbon, Portugal: Our first Culture for Christmas destination gave us a stunning start to our tradition. Portugal’s holiday season is warm and inviting, with spectacular lights and delicious seasonal treats like bolo rei (king cake) and Portuguese custard tarts. Lisbon’s narrow, hilly streets lit up for Christmas made it the perfect introduction to our journey of celebrating the season.
Euro Disney (now called Disneyland Paris) & Paris, France: When we weren’t able to travel during one Christmas, we adapted by immersing ourselves in the theme of our upcoming adventure to Euro Disney outside Paris. Paris, with its holiday charm and the magic of Disney, was a perfect way to bring the season alive at home, inspiring us all to look forward to the trip itself and the memories it would hold.
Octopus Hot Dog ~ Lisbon, Portugal
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Delayed Trip to Disneyland Paris (April 2019)
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"Chamonix’s mountain views were breathtaking, and enjoying authentic Swiss fondue as a family brought a new kind of togetherness."
Geneva, Switzerland & Chamonix, France: One of our trips took us into the heart of the Alps, where our youngest daughter had the chance to ski for the first time. Chamonix’s mountain views were breathtaking, and enjoying authentic Swiss fondue as a family brought a new kind of togetherness. This experience was about more than the holiday; it was a bonding moment for our whole family, challenging ourselves on the slopes and sharing in the warmth of Swiss hospitality. Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s quaint canals and twinkling lights made it a perfect Christmas season stop. The culture here, from the bustling holiday markets to trying traditional Dutch foods, has given our daughters fresh perspectives on how different cultures celebrate in simple, heartfelt ways. |
Dad Teaching his Daughter to Ski ~ Chamonix, France
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Dubai: This year, we’re excited to return to Dubai, where East meets West in a beautiful blend of cultures. Though Christmas in Dubai has a unique twist, with luxurious decor and festive lights, it’s the cultural contrasts that captivate us the most. From bustling souks to modern architectural marvels, Dubai has so much for us all to see and appreciate. And we can’t wait to introduce more of its wonder to our daughters this holiday season.
Jenipher's Family in Dubai (2024)
A Living Classroom for Our Children
Every Culture for Christmas trip is a chance to turn travel into a living classroom for our daughters. Before we even set foot on the plane, we take time to introduce them to the culture, customs and history of the country we’re visiting. We share stories about each location’s unique traditions, people, and holiday practices, sparking curiosity and excitement for what’s to come. For us, it’s about creating intentional experiences, showing our girls that there’s a world outside of what they know — one full of people who celebrate and live in ways both familiar and new.
When we arrive, our girls get the chance to see, taste and feel everything they’ve learned about. They try local foods, meet new people, and experience customs that are part of each place’s unique holiday spirit. In Switzerland, they learned the simple joy of sharing fondue around a table, a meal that brings people together in warmth and community. In Dubai, they saw how a place with such a different climate and culture still celebrates the season in its own spectacular way, blending diverse customs in a way that’s distinctly “Dubai.”
Every Culture for Christmas trip is a chance to turn travel into a living classroom for our daughters. Before we even set foot on the plane, we take time to introduce them to the culture, customs and history of the country we’re visiting. We share stories about each location’s unique traditions, people, and holiday practices, sparking curiosity and excitement for what’s to come. For us, it’s about creating intentional experiences, showing our girls that there’s a world outside of what they know — one full of people who celebrate and live in ways both familiar and new.
When we arrive, our girls get the chance to see, taste and feel everything they’ve learned about. They try local foods, meet new people, and experience customs that are part of each place’s unique holiday spirit. In Switzerland, they learned the simple joy of sharing fondue around a table, a meal that brings people together in warmth and community. In Dubai, they saw how a place with such a different climate and culture still celebrates the season in its own spectacular way, blending diverse customs in a way that’s distinctly “Dubai.”
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"By making Christmas about learning and experiencing new cultures, we’re giving them lessons that extend beyond books. They’re learning adaptability, empathy and respect for different ways of life." |
By making Christmas about learning and experiencing new cultures, we’re giving them lessons that extend beyond books. They’re learning adaptability, empathy, and respect for different ways of life. Each new experience helps them understand that the world is vast and varied and that the joy of the season isn’t just about our traditions but about celebrating what connects us all as humans — family, love, and shared joy.
Through these journeys, they’re learning that the value of an experience is often greater than any physical gift. When they’re out of their comfort zone, trying something new, or navigating language barriers, they’re growing in confidence and resilience. These are skills they’ll carry with them for a lifetime, not only enriching their understanding of the world but also strengthening their character and their relationships.
Why We Choose Culture for Christmas
At its heart, Culture for Christmas is about so much more than the thrill of travel. It’s about grounding the season in values that we hold close: family, connection, and the real spirit of Christmas, which for us, is rooted in love, learning and presence. By focusing on culture and experiences, we’re intentionally moving away from a materialistic view of Christmas. In a world where it’s easy to get wrapped up in buying gifts, we wanted to offer our children something different — a perspective that places value on who we’re with and what we’re learning together, rather than on the things we receive. Each trip helps remind us all that Christmas is about connecting with each other and celebrating what’s truly important.
For my husband and me, these trips are also a way to instill a sense of gratitude in our daughters. We want them to know that they are fortunate not just for the ability to travel, but for the opportunity to learn, grow and embrace new experiences. Being immersed in another culture each Christmas has shown them that the spirit of the season is universal, even if the ways it’s celebrated are unique. They’re discovering that generosity, warmth and community are at the core of so many holiday traditions, no matter where in the world we are. When we bring family along, it deepens the experience even more. Our children grow up with cherished memories alongside grandparents, aunts, and cousins, all exploring together. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just a day or a set of traditions; it’s a way to be with the ones we love, learning and experiencing the world as a family.
As a parent, keeping a journal of each trip is another way to hold on to these moments and document the small details — the laughter, the conversations, and even the inevitable travel mishaps. One day, when our daughters read these entries, they’ll have a window into their own childhood, a legacy of stories that reflect not only where we went but who we were as a family and what we valued. And perhaps, someday, they’ll carry on this tradition with families of their own, fostering their own version of Culture for Christmas.
In the end, Culture for Christmas is more than a family tradition. It’s a philosophy, a way of shaping our family’s worldview as well as a practice of instilling the importance of togetherness, learning and love. We hope that through this tradition our children grow up knowing that Christmas is something you can carry with you all year round — a reminder to celebrate what’s meaningful, connect with others, and find joy in new perspectives. It also gives us the opportunity to show them Santa can indeed find them wherever they are, as long as they continue to stay on the nice list.
As a parent, keeping a journal of each trip is another way to hold on to these moments and document the small details — the laughter, the conversations, and even the inevitable travel mishaps. One day, when our daughters read these entries, they’ll have a window into their own childhood, a legacy of stories that reflect not only where we went but who we were as a family and what we valued. And perhaps, someday, they’ll carry on this tradition with families of their own, fostering their own version of Culture for Christmas.
In the end, Culture for Christmas is more than a family tradition. It’s a philosophy, a way of shaping our family’s worldview as well as a practice of instilling the importance of togetherness, learning and love. We hope that through this tradition our children grow up knowing that Christmas is something you can carry with you all year round — a reminder to celebrate what’s meaningful, connect with others, and find joy in new perspectives. It also gives us the opportunity to show them Santa can indeed find them wherever they are, as long as they continue to stay on the nice list.
Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius is an expert in organizational change management, leadership development consulting, adjunct professorship, and curriculum development. With a doctorate in strategic leadership and a master's in business administration, Jenipher has over 20 years of experience in finance and operations and is a reliable authority in leading organizations through significant changes. In addition to her change management experience, Jenipher also specializes in facilitating virtual and in-person leadership development workshops. She is a regular contributor for Sanctuary.
