Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy, togetherness, and new beginnings. For our blended family, it’s an opportunity to create unique traditions that reflect our diverse backgrounds and shared love. Here’s how we get ready for Diwali, blending old customs with new memories.
The Preparations Begin
Diwali preparations in our house start weeks in advance. We begin with a thorough cleaning of our home, symbolizing the removal of negativity and making way for prosperity. This year, we decided to make it a family affair. Our teenage son took charge of organizing the living room, our younger son helped with dusting and decluttering, and the baby girl supervised from her high chair, offering occasional giggles of approval.
Decorating with Love
Next comes the decorating. We bring out our collection of diyas (oil lamps) and string lights, transforming our home into a glowing wonderland. Our teenage son, with his artistic flair, takes the lead on creating beautiful rangoli designs at the entrance. He uses vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making our doorstep a welcoming sight for guests.
Our younger son loves helping with the lights. He eagerly hangs strings of fairy lights around the house, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We also involve the baby girl by letting her hold a soft, safe LED candle, which she waves around with glee.
The Sweet Treats
No Diwali celebration is complete without sweets. We gather in the kitchen to prepare traditional treats like ladoos, and jalebis. Our teenage son, who has recently developed an interest in cooking, takes on the role of sous-chef, measuring ingredients and stirring mixtures. Our younger son is in charge of decorating the sweets with edible silver foil and colorful sprinkles.
The baby girl, of course, is our official taste tester. She gets tiny, baby-friendly portions of the sweets, and her delighted expressions are all the approval we need.
Sharing Stories and Traditions
One of the most beautiful aspects of our blended family is the sharing of stories and traditions. During Diwali, we gather around to share tales from our respective cultures. Our sons loves hearing about the legends of Lord Rama and the significance of Diwali in Hindu mythology and the stories of how different regions celebrate the festival, from lighting lamps to bursting firecrackers.
We also create new traditions that are unique to our family. This year, we decided to write down our wishes for the coming year on small pieces of paper and place them in a special Diwali jar. We’ll revisit these wishes next Diwali to see how many have come true.
The Grand Celebration
On Diwali night, we dress in our finest traditional attire. Our teenage son looks dashing in a kurta, our younger son is adorable in a sherwani, and the baby girl is the star of the show in a tiny lehenga. We light the diyas and place them around the house, creating a warm, inviting glow.
We perform a simple puja (prayer) together, offering our gratitude and seeking blessings for the year ahead. The sound of the aarti (devotional song) fills the air, and even the baby girl seems to sense the specialness of the moment.
After the puja, we step outside to enjoy the fireworks. Our teenage son and younger son are thrilled by the colorful displays, while the baby girl watches in wide-eyed wonder. We end the night with a family feast, enjoying the delicious sweets and savory dishes we’ve prepared.
Reflections on Our Journey
Celebrating Diwali as a blended family is a reminder of the beauty of unity in diversity. We cherish our individual traditions while creating new ones that reflect our shared journey. Each Diwali, we grow closer, building a tapestry of memories that blend the old with the new.
As we light the diyas and share in the joy of the festival, we are reminded of the light that each member of our family brings into our lives. Here’s to a Diwali filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.
Happy Diwali from our blended family to yours! 🪔✨
How do you and your family celebrate Diwali? Any special traditions or fa
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