The world’s best holiday traditions are more than just festive rituals—they’re vibrant reflections of cultural richness and shared humanity. From savoring diverse cuisines to embracing symbolic acts of generosity, these unique celebrations offer a glimpse into the values and stories that bind us together. In this article, leaders from various fields share their favorite holiday traditions that highlight the beauty of cultural diversity and connection.
Global Gratitude Dinner Strengthens Team Bonds
One of my favorite unique and festive holiday traditions is a “Global Gratitude Dinner” I initiated during my years coaching multicultural teams and business owners in the UAE. The idea stemmed from my belief that shared traditions strengthen bonds, whether in families, businesses, or communities. Each participant brings a dish that reflects their cultural heritage and shares a short story about its significance. The result is a table brimming with diversity, symbolizing the collective effort and mutual respect that create strong, high performing teams. This tradition isn’t just about food, it is about understanding the values, resilience, and creativity that different backgrounds bring to the table, both figuratively and literally.
My years of experience working internationally, along with the insights I’ve gained from coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, informed this approach. I’ve always believed that businesses thrive when the people within them feel valued and connected. This tradition became particularly impactful when I introduced it as a team building exercise for a client struggling with low morale in a diverse workplace. The shared stories and meals sparked meaningful conversations, broke down barriers, and created a new culture of collaboration. That client reported improved employee satisfaction and productivity in the months that followed. It’s a tradition I’ve continued to recommend, as it blends celebration with actionable team growth.
Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
Celebrate Sankranti with Kite Flying and Sweets
One of my favorite unique and festive holiday traditions is celebrating Sankranti, a harvest festival in India, which my family brings to life even abroad. Every January, we fly colorful kites together, a symbolic gesture of letting go of the old and welcoming the new.
One year, I remember my little nephew accidentally cutting my kite string mid-flight with his own kite’s line—a common and playful part of the competition.
Instead of frustration, it turned into a round of laughter and cheering, and I quickly grabbed another kite to continue the fun. Alongside the kite-flying, we prepare traditional sweets like sesame and jaggery laddoos, symbolizing the sweetness of the new season.
This tradition highlights cultural richness by connecting us to our roots while spreading joy and togetherness among family and friends, no matter where we are.
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Las Posadas Highlights Community and Generosity
One tradition that really stands out to me is Las Posadas, a Mexican holiday celebration that beautifully blends community, music, and rich cultural storytelling. The tradition re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem, and it involves caroling, processions, and knocking on doors (acting as Mary and Joseph) until you’re “welcomed in” for a celebration. It’s such a heartfelt and joyful experience, where neighbors and friends come together to share food, laughter, and a sense of unity.
What I love most about Las Posadas is how it highlights the importance of togetherness and generosity. It’s a reminder that, regardless of where we come from, we all share the desire to connect, celebrate, and create memories with others. The tradition is a beautiful reflection of the cultural richness that exists in the world, celebrating both faith and fellowship. It’s fun, festive, and full of meaning—a perfect example of how holidays can be an opportunity to honor and explore the stories and values that shape communities. It’s one of those traditions that really makes the season feel special and connected.
Danielle Hu, Founder, The Wanderlover
Lobster Trap Tree Celebrates Rockland’s Coastal Heritage
The Lobster Trap Christmas Tree is a fun and different way to celebrate the holidays in Rockland, Maine, USA. Along the coast, this small town makes a big “tree” out of lobster traps and bright buoys that fishers give each other every December. It’s really cute, I saw it once. Everyone in the town owns a buoy, and many of them have been painted by hand to tell stories or remember loved ones. People from the area gather at the tree’s base for a short ceremony and then light it up. After the singing, there is hot chocolate, and a table with lobster rolls for people who want to try some of Maine’s famous seafood.
On top of the tree, shops in the area hold contests for crab ornaments, and as part of the tradition, schools in the area make decorations with ocean themes. I love how this brings together the history of a town with the holiday spirit and lets everyone, even tourists, join in the fun. You really feel welcome and warm, and you learn a lot about the past of the town and the people who live there.
Chris Bajda, E-commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, GroomsDay
Home for the Holidays Potluck
My favorite tradition started when I began hosting “Home for the Holidays” potlucks where each guest brings a dish and shares the story of how it connects to their cultural background. Last December, we had everything from Polish pierogi to Mexican tamales, and the best part was hearing everyone’s childhood memories associated with making these special dishes.
Judy Michaelis, Real Estate Broker, Judy Michaelis
Eid Traditions Foster Unity and Generosity
One of my favorite holiday traditions is celebrating Eid with my family. The communal prayers, followed by the act of giving Zakat (charity), bring us closer as a family and a community. The tradition highlights cultural richness through acts of generosity, kindness, and gratitude. It’s a beautiful reminder that true celebration lies in connection with others, fostering a sense of belonging and unity that transcends borders.
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Small-Town Christmas Parade Brings Community Together
My favorite holiday tradition is a small-town Christmas lights parade that I organize with a local community group. It’s not about big budgets but about neighbors coming together to design floats and displays. The best part is how everyone gets involved, from kids crafting snowmen to local artisans showcasing their skills. It always reminds me of the importance of community, something I value deeply, not just in work but in life. Watching it all come together with hot cocoa in hand is incredibly heartwarming.
Michael Benoit, Founder and Insurance Expert, ContractorBond
Light Swap Tradition Encourages Creativity
Every holiday season, my family has a “light swap” tradition, where we creatively decorate each other’s homes with a new theme. It’s not about extravagant setups but about surprise and creativity. One year, my brother decked out my place in a “Star Wars Christmas” theme, complete with lightsaber candy canes and Yoda tree toppers. It’s a way for us to laugh, celebrate, and share something personal. I find it’s the perfect balance of fun and cultural appreciation because every family member incorporates their personal interests into the decor.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
Osechi-Ryori Symbolizes Prosperity and Family Bonding
One of my favorite holiday traditions that highlights cultural richness is the Japanese custom of “Osechi-ryori.” During the New Year, families gather to enjoy an exceptional array of foods prepared in advance to symbolize wishes for prosperity, happiness, and good health in the coming year.
Each dish in the osechi is rich in meaning, such as sweet black beans for health and longevity or herring roe for fertility and abundance.
What makes this tradition unique is not just the food itself but the cultural significance and careful preparation that goes into it. The dishes are made with ingredients that preserve well over the holiday, allowing families to rest and spend time together, reflecting Japan’s emphasis on family bonding and mindfulness.
As someone involved in cross-cultural work, I find it fascinating how such traditions weave together history, values, and communal ties.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the deep cultural roots that shape our celebrations and how food, mainly, can serve as a meaningful symbol of connection across generations.
Sharing traditions like these allows us to appreciate the cultural richness in every corner of the world.
Fawad langah, Director General, Best Diplomats
Texas Holiday Carnival Blends Cheer and Excitement
One of my favorite holiday traditions that really captures the festive spirit and cultural richness is the Texas holiday carnival experience! Living in Texas, we love to combine holiday cheer with the excitement of classic carnival rides, games, and of course, the giant inflatables that light up every event. This tradition is unique because it blends the warmth of family gatherings with the high-energy fun that everyone—young and old—can enjoy.
Our team often gets involved in transforming events into a wonderland, with everything from bounce houses to carousel rides, creating an atmosphere that feels both festive and nostalgic. There’s something about seeing families come together to enjoy these timeless traditions, especially when the rides are all decked out in festive lights and surrounded by the twinkling of holiday decorations.
It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the season, honor our local culture, and unite people through shared moments of joy. Plus, there’s no better way to shake off the stress of the year than with laughter, music, and the thrill of a few spins on a Ferris wheel—what better way to celebrate the holidays than by embracing the joy and vibrancy that make this season so special?
Joe Horan, Owner & CEO, Jumper Bee
Secret Santa Adds Thoughtfulness to Christmas
One Christmas tradition I really enjoy is the concept of Secret Santa. It’s simple but carries so much excitement and thoughtfulness. The idea of drawing names, keeping your identity a secret, and picking out something meaningful for someone else brings an element of surprise and connection to holiday gatherings.
Last year, my family decided to take our Secret Santa tradition up a notch, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of Christmas. Instead of just picking names and buying gifts, we added a storytelling twist. Everyone had to write a small riddle or story about the person they were gifting, giving clues about their identity and the gift itself.
Secret Santa works because it’s personal yet anonymous and it shifts the focus to thoughtfulness rather than big gestures. Similarly, I think about how to make small, unexpected changes that leave lasting impressions on people. It’s these kinds of moments that stick with people and make the holiday season special, whether in a family setting or a business one.
This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions that highlights the cultural richness of family.
Andrew Fiore, Founder, Vape Vending Machine
Panettone Connects Italy During Christmas
One of my favorite Italian holiday traditions is the shared love for panettone. No matter where you are in Italy, this iconic sweet bread is a must-have during Christmas. Whether it’s the classic panettone filled with candied fruit or a simple yet elegant pandoro dusted with powdered sugar, every family has their favorite. You’ll find it under the tree as a gift or on the table to enjoy after dinner, often served with a glass of prosecco or mascarpone cream. It’s a tradition that connects all of Italy, blending regional variations and personal tastes into a shared celebration of the season.
Alessia Spampinato, Content Strategist, Italy Expert, AS
Chinese New Year Embodies Generosity and Renewal
As someone deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions, one festive holiday tradition that I hold dear and believe truly highlights cultural richness is the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival. Growing up, this time of year was always filled with symbolism, family togetherness, and a sense of renewal. One of the most unique aspects is the practice of hanging red couplets and lanterns, with intricate designs and poetic phrases that wish for prosperity and happiness. These decorations create an ambiance of joy and hope, transforming ordinary spaces into celebrations of abundance.
From my perspective, the tradition of giving red envelopes (hongbao) embodies deeper values of generosity and blessings for the next generation. It’s more than just gifting money—it’s a heartfelt wish for good fortune, success, and well-being. This cultural specificity resonates with me as I build my business. We focus on creating meaningful products that not only provide utility but also elevate a photographer’s moments into tangible, emotional memories.
This holiday tradition mirrors our brand vision of transforming ordinary experiences into extraordinary visual narratives, connecting people with their cultural heritage and creating lasting memories. We celebrate all cultures and traditions, recognizing the beauty in diversity and bringing it to life through our products.
David Zhang, CEO, Kate Backdrops
Homemade Bread Tradition Tells Family Stories
I’m really a big fan of the holiday tradition of baking and giving homemade bread, which has so much cultural and personal meaning. Each year I take the time to make bread from old recipes my family has always used, and add regional notes and shapes to it. We, for example, bake bread that is decorated on the crust with fruit, or gratitude. The tradition is culturally rich, I think, in that bread is an act of history, it’s the bread that tells a story and it tells a story. It’s an expression of family history and making something resonant for those you care about around the holidays.
Jay Soni, Marketing Specialist, Founder and CEO, Yorkshire Fabric Shop
Diwali Celebrates Light Over Darkness
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated in India and globally, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This five-day festival showcases diverse rituals, customs, and cuisines, reflecting India’s rich culture and uniting families and communities. For businesses, understanding such cultural traditions is crucial for developing personalized strategies that strengthen relationships and drive growth with target audiences.
Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo
White Elephant Game Adds Fun to Christmas
I’m a very big fan of White Elephant.
White Elephant is a fun game where each person involved buys a Christmas tree decoration, wraps it up, and enters it into the game.
Everyone involved then sits in a circle and gets to either unwrap a decoration or steal a decoration from someone who has already opened theirs.
This game is like Secret Santa, but with more interactivity and fun.
Ben Grimwade, Software Engineering Manager, Just Another Tech Lead
Have Your Say
- Which tradition mentioned here inspires you the most?
- What’s your favorite unique holiday tradition?
- How do you celebrate cultural diversity during the holidays?
Alignment with the UN SDGs
The article aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting cultural understanding, inclusivity, and meaningful connections. Here’s how:
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Promotes Cultural Understanding: Highlighting diverse traditions fosters appreciation and respect for different cultures, reducing social and cultural inequalities.
- Celebrates Diversity: Encouraging the recognition of multicultural practices builds bridges between people of different backgrounds.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Fosters Social Cohesion: Traditions like Las Posadas, Eid, and Diwali emphasize community, generosity, and unity, strengthening the social fabric.
- Encourages Inclusivity: Showcasing practices from various cultures underscores shared human values, contributing to peaceful coexistence.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Collaborative Spirit: Many of the traditions involve teamwork and community effort, echoing the spirit of partnerships for sustainable development.
- Global Perspective: The article serves as a platform for global voices, promoting collective action and mutual understanding.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- Mental Well-Being: Participating in meaningful traditions enhances mental health by fostering joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
- Community Engagement: Traditions that emphasize togetherness combat social isolation and strengthen emotional resilience.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Traditions like the Lobster Trap Tree and Osechi-Ryori preserve local customs and promote sustainable cultural tourism.
- Community Strengthening: Events such as small-town parades and potlucks bring communities together, enhancing urban and rural cohesion.
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