This is how we do Christmas: New Canadians share festive stories

The Association for New Canadians in Gander recently hosted a Christmas Around the World event at the Royal Canadian Legion that brought dozens of people out, including many who are new to the town — and to the country.

Different backgrounds, different cultures and different perspectives mingled in the spirit of the holidays. 

Sandmen to snowmen 

Orique Gordon is originally from Antigua, a small island in the Caribbean.

He grew up making sandmen instead of snowmen and singing about donkeys rather than reindeer.

At Christmas, his family enjoys a meal of fish and fungi, a dish made with cornmeal, okra and salt fish.

But his favourite Christmas tradition is rum cake, which he says is like a dark fruit cake, with more rum.

Baking before Christmas 

Andreea Caprariu is from Romania. She grew up as an orthodox Christian, meaning her family would fast from mid-November until Christmas Day.

But a lot of baking took place to prepare for the celebrations after, which typically is a five-day event.

Linzer cookies are an Austrian tradition, but Caprariu said her family makes them every year.

The buttery, flaky shortbread cookies are filled with sweet jams and dusted with powdered sugar.

Suiting up

Kingsley Okai grew up in Ghana.

While some of the Christmas traditions are the same as Canada, he said, many of the songs and the food are unique to his African culture.

With warm weather and no snow, he said most people are outside gathering with family and friends.

One of his favourite Christmas traditions is a new Christmas outfit — often a chance to get a new tailored suit.

Starting early

Mirani Prima, left, and Olena Tkachuk are from Ukraine.

Tkachuk said Christmas celebrations for her family start on Dec. 6 on St. Nicholas Day, where you can expect candies, socks or new pyjamas under your bed sheets.

She said Christmas Eve is a big day for families.

One of the traditional foods eaten on that day is kapusniak, a soup with cabbage.

Lighting up the sky

Nwamaka Onowoto is from Nigeria.

From Father Christmas, to food, festivals and Christmas outfits, she said there's a big difference between Christmas in Canada and home.

On Christmas Eve, everyone prepares for a big meal the next day and gathering with friends and family.

At midnight, fireworks light up the sky.

Christmas morning often starts with a church service. And unlike in Canada, Father Christmas doesn't visit your house, but can be seen around town where he gives the kids presents.

Mince pies for all

Scott Cull is from England.

One of his favourite Christmas traditions back home is checking out all the lights in the streets and going to pubs to hang with friends and family.

One of the foods his family usually eats during the holidays is mince pies, which he shared with the visitors of the ANC's Christmas Around the World celebration.

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