How Different Cultures Celebrate December Holidays

How Different Cultures Celebrate December Holidays

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When the ground freezes and the earth is covered in a blanket of snow, we tend to think of hibernation, rest, and quietude. Busy cultural calendars around the world stand in juxtaposition, as the colder months prove a time of feast and festivity. Learning about other traditions around the world is an interesting lesson in history, religion, and culture, but also an important opportunity to promote greater tolerance, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. Here are 10 different December holidays you may introduce to your child to provoke discussion and reflection of the winter season.

St. Nicholas Day (December 6, 2019)

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Eastern Christian religions — particularly in Russia and Greece, where Saint Nicholas is the patron saint. The Roman Empire bishop is known for generosity, kindness toward children, calming the seas, and performing miracles. The feast day is celebrated with children’s masses, special hymns, and prayer. In Western and Central European countries like Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and the Netherlands — where children put out a boot for St. Nicholas on December 5th in hopes of receiving small coins, candy, oranges, toys, or glass ornaments in the morning. Historical recordings dating back to medieval times allege that nuns used the night of December 6th to distribute anonymous baskets of food and clothing at the doorsteps of the needy. 

St. Lucia Day (December 13, 2019)

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland to honor the third-century virgin martyr. She is recognized as a symbol of light and purity, so the eldest daughter of the family dresses up in a long white gown with a red sash and wreath of burning candles on her head. She awakens the family by singing songs and bringing them coffee and twisted saffron buns called lussekatter (Lucia cats). Finland celebrates the day with a torchbearer parade of light. Norwegians hold processions through schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycares, and senior centers to warm the heart and celebrate emergence out of the darkest winter nights. 

Winter Solstice (December 21, 2019)

Winter Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by cultures all around the world. The shortest day of the year may have been observed as early as the Neolithic Period (the end of the Stone Age) in 10,200 BC. Archaeologists theorize monuments like Newgrange in Ireland, Maeshowe in Scotland, and Stonehenge in England were a place of December ritual. Today, there are large gatherings at these sites. Ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a weeklong holiday of feasting and drinking in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January, where they would feast until a large Yule log burned out. Zuni and Hopi Native American tribes commemorate the beginning of the new year with ceremonial mask dances, fires, and gift-giving. From hot yuzu fruit baths in Japan, to the “Burning of Clocks” in Brighton, England, Winter Solstice is celebrated in different ways around the world.

Hanukkah (December 22-30, 2019)

Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah, a religious holiday honoring the Maccabee’s victory over King Antiochus, who forbade Jews from practicing their religion. During the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the menorah’s candles were said to have miraculously burned for eight nights, even though there was only enough oil for a single day. Today, nine menorah candles are lit in the home for eight nights. During Hanukkah, blessings are said, special foods like potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are eaten, songs are sung, and children spin tops called dreidels to win nuts, raisins, and chocolate coins. Holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah are much more significant to the religion, but Hanukkah is special to many families as a cherished winter tradition nonetheless.   

Christmas (December 25, 2019)

Christmas originated as a religious holiday celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Religious celebrations involve candle-lit wreaths to represent the four weeks of Advent, songs like “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” readings of Christmas stories in the Bible, the display of Nativity Scenes, and December 24th Midnight mass in darkness to celebrate the birth of light. Over the years, Christmas has been adopted by non-Christian peoples as a secular holiday of gift-giving, decorating, caroling, storytelling, and feasting. Traditions vary around the world.  Evergreen trees decorated with ornaments and lights date back to 16thCentury Germany. In Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, people head out to the beach and decorate a Christmas Bush. Depictions of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, based loosely on Saint Nicholas, go back at least as far as the reign of Henry VIII, where he appeared in plays wearing fur-lined green or red robes to deliver peace, joy, food, wine, and good cheer. Some say Santa arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver gifts to good girls and boys, but he arrives by boat in Hawaii and on water skis in Australia. Instead of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, children in England leave mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas. Iceland has thirteen Santas known as Yule Lads who leave small gifts for good children in shoes left on the window sill, and potatoes in the shoes of naughty children. From lantern festivals in the Philippines and Kentucky Fried Chicken dinners in Japan, to 42-foot-tall straw yule goats in Sweden and late night fireworks in Brazil, there is no shortage of ways to observe Christmas around the world.  

Kwanzaa (December 26, 2019 – January 1, 2020)

Kwanzaa is a relatively young holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 following the Watts riots in Los Angeles. He wanted to reconnect African Americans to African culture roots, borrowing traditions from Swahili “first fruit” harvest celebrations. Celebrations include song, dance, drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and feasts. On each of the seven nights, a child lights a candle on the Kinara to represent the seven principle values of African culture: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Though it is celebrated mostly in America, more than 20 million people now celebrate the holiday from Jamaica, London, and South Africa, to Ghana, Toronto, and Paris — as seen in the documentary “The Black Candle.” 

Boxing Day (December 26, 2019)

The observation of Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages as a day where the church collection boxes for the poor were distributed to communities. Servants were given the day off to celebrate Christmas with their families. Boxing Day is now a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where mail carriers and trade professionals enjoy a day of rest. For retail workers, Boxing Day is the busiest shopping day of the year, due to post-Christmas sales. In Ireland, they celebrate St. Stephen’s Day. In the Bahamas, the Junkanoo street parade and festival is held on Boxing Day. Not only is it a popular day of continued celebration and shopping, but also sport – with horse races, soccer matches, and ice hockey contests in European nations.  

Ōmisoka (December 31, 2019)

Japan’s New Year’s Eve called Ōmisoka is considered one of the most important days of the year. Families visit shrines or temples at midnight for joya-no-kane, the striking of large cast bells for each of the 108 earthly desires that cause human suffering. Families gather to enjoy a feast of soba or udon noodles for one last time in the old year. Homes are cleaned and de-cluttered from top to bottom in osoji (the big cleaning). Many people also look forward to the national broadcast of the Red vs. White Singing Competition, which is akin to our “American Idol” competition.

Hogmanay (December 31, 2019)

During the Protestant Reformation, Christmas was banned in Scotland for some 400 years, so prior to 1958, the biggest winter holiday was Hogmanay, which started on December 31stand spilled over into the New Year. Families gathered for bonfires, large feasts, and the cleaning out of the fireplace. Many people still recognize the ancient tradition of “first-footing,” where it is believed the household is presented with good fortune when the first person to cross the threshold is a dark-haired male. (In those days, a red or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman!) Different parts of Scotland have their own quaint Hogmanay traditions as well. For instance, Edinburgh is home to a huge street party and torchlight processions; balls of fire swing through the fishing village of Stonehaven; and fancy-dressed partiers swim in the icy waters of  Firth of Forth at South Queensferry in what is called “the Loony Dook.” 

New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2019)

“Out with the old and in with the new” is the idea behind the celebration of New Year’s Eve. Since New Year’s Day is a public holiday, the night before is spent feasting, partying, and ringing in the New Year at midnight. Most countries celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks – with the largest displays in New York’s Times Square; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Dubai, UAE. In Spain, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight to represent each month of the New Year. In Denmark, old plates and glasses are broken against the doors of friends and family to banish bad spirits. In Columbia, three “fortune-telling” potatoes are placed under the bed and pulled out at midnight – one peeled (financial problems), one unpeeled (abundance), and one half-peeled (something in between). In Ecuador, families symbolically burn a straw man at midnight in hopes that their faults with disappear with him. In Canada, New Year’s Eve is a popular ice-fishing day. 

No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, you can find a place at Shine. We foster natural curiosity about cultures from around the world through crafts, storytelling, music, and culinary delights. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of inclusive workshops, classes, parties, and enrichment activities. 

Fun Ways for Long Island & East End Families to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

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This time of year, our Holiday Workshops are in full swing. As parents worry how to keep the kids occupied over the Thanksgiving break, Shine steps in to fill the void with a carefully curated selection of activities. 

During our unique sessions, kids ages 5-10: create table centerpieces and decorations for the home; learn to cook a side dish or dessert to contribute to the harvest feast; and engage in educational enrichment activities that discuss the importance of charity and gratitude. It’s not too late to sign your child up if you haven’t already; simply email Amanda@ShineNYC.net to reserve your spot.

With Thanksgiving falling so late this year, Christmas will soon be upon us. Here are a few other events happening in Long Island and around the East End this month to get you into the spirit of the holidays.

Glen Cove Native American Feast

When:Saturday, November 23, 2019 – Sunday, November 24, 2019

Where:Garvies Point Museum and Preserve (50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove NY 11542)

Cost:$8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, Free for under 5

Website: http://www.garviespointmuseum.com/native-american-feast.php

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach your children about Native American culture and a great opportunity for you to check out Garvies Point Museum’s treasure trove of Long Island Native American artifacts. Hands-on activities this weekend include ancient method pottery-making, primitive fire-building and cooking demonstrations, tool-making, face-painting with natural pigments, atlatl spear-throwing, stone drilling, and films. Kids especially enjoy the interactive Woodland Village, samples of renowned “popcorn soup,” and helping make a 12-foot long dugout canoe.

Thanksgiving Weekend Children’s Theatre

After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday shopping, who couldn’t use a breather? The theatre is a nice, relaxing place to spend a few hours and delight in the arts. Choose among the following East End productions over the holiday weekend to delve into the magic of snowmen, elves, and Christmas spirits:

What: “Frosty”

When: Friday 29th (11 am), Saturday 30th(11 am) & Sunday 1st(10:30 am)

Where:Engeman Theatre (250 Main Street, Northport NY 11768)

Cost: $15 

Website: https://engemantheater.com/education-theater/#tabs-ed_rep-tab-2

What: “Harry Connick Jr’s The Happy Elf” 

When:Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 – Sunday, December 29th, 2019

Where:The Argyle Theatre at Babylon (34 West Main Street, Babylon NY 11702)

Cost:$15 

Website: https://argyletheatre.com/event/the-happy-elf-2/all/

What: “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” (Puppet Theatre)

When:Friday, November 29th(11:30), Saturday November 30th(11:30 am, 2 pm) 

Where:Long Island Children’s Museum (11 Davis Avenue, Garden City NY 11530)

Cost:$9 non-members, $7 members

Website: https://www.licm.org/calendar/event/theater-a-Christmas-carol/

Polar Express Trolley

When:Friday, November 29th, 2019 – Sunday, December 22, 2019

Where:North Fork Trolley (96 NY-25, Riverhead NY 11901)

Cost:$53 for ages 2+ includes transportation, a gift for the children, refreshments, and a visit with Santa) 

Website: https://www.northforktrolley.com/PolarExpress.php

You needn’t dress up for the Polar Express trolley ride; in fact, just like the children in Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” story, you’re encouraged to come in your pajamas for a cozy journey. Enjoy actor Liam Neeson’s reading of the tale, musical performances, cookies, cocoa, and character meet-and-greets, while taking a 90-minute excursion to “The North Pole.” This year, we’re promised “more lights, glitz, and glam.” There, you’ll naturally meet with Santa and the Elves for an unforgettable holiday party. This year, there is expected to be around 5,000 tickets available. Last year, they had 6,500 and sold out – so be sure to pick up tickets in advance. If you miss out this year, keep your eye on the website come mid-August, when seats first go on sale.     

29thAnnual Long Island Festival of Trees

When:Friday, November 29th, 2019 – Sunday, December 1st, 2019 (10 am – 5 pm)

Where:The Cradle of Aviation Museum (Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City NY 11530)

Cost:$15 adults, $10 children 2-10 (includes admission to festival and museum) 

Website: http://www.cpnassau.org/event/29th-annual-long-island-festival-of-trees/

Take a stroll through towering, designer-decorated evergreens, a gingerbread village, vendor gift marketplace, and a Department 56 village display. All trees and gingerbreads are for sale. Santa will be available for photo opps and gift requests. Dancers and choral singers entertain, while the children participate in cookie decorating. Star Wars characters will be visiting on Saturday. For the first time, the event will include indoor ice skating with free rentals. Museum admission is included, so you’ll be able to check out the 75 air and spacecraft, including a hot air balloon and Apollo Lunar Module, and the 30 hands-on exhibits. As an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds benefits the Cerebral Palsy Association.

2ndAnnual Wantagh Winter Wonderland

When:Saturday, November 30th, 2019 (2-8 pm)

Where:Wantagh Preservation Society (1700 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh NY11793)

Cost:FREE! 

Website:https://www.facebook.com/groups/WantaghPreservationSociety/

You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate the sounds of the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band and the beautiful Irish step dancing. The festive atmosphere continues with a holiday tree and menorah lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Local upscale vendor shopping, holiday decorations, and baked goods will be for sale. It’s a low-key event probably best suited for older children, but a unique spot to begin your holiday shopping.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: 5 Celtic Recipes for Halloween

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The roots of Halloween can be traced back to a Celtic holiday known as Samhain (pronounced: sOW-in). This pagan festival originating in County Meath included mask-making, storytelling, song and dance, and a buffet of traditional Irish foods. Perhaps nowhere celebrates Halloween as hard as modern-day Ireland with carnivals lasting for weeks taking place throughout the country in epicenters like Derry and Limerick. 

If you can’t make it to Ireland with the kids this year, fear not! We’ve got you covered with five Celtic recipes the kids can enjoy cooking with you for Halloween. As you can imagine, each recipe comes with a historic story of its own to tell.

Colcannon

The first mention of colcannon dates back to 1735. In Ireland, they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Colcannon (translating to “white cabbage”) was a dish that could bring great promise for the single ladies. Young unmarried cooks would go blindfolded into the garden to pick a colcannon cabbage. This tasty vegetarian Halloween dish is made from chopped kale or parsnips, cabbage, and hot, floury mashed potatoes, and an assortment of trinkets. Some legends mix in charms that could tell the future. The first woman to find a ring in her portion would be the first to marry. Others might find a button (to signify another year as a bachelorette), a thimble (signifying you would become a spinster), a rag (warning of poverty), a stick (meaning your spouse would be abusive), or a coin (meaning you would come into wealth by some other means). Other women filled their socks with colcannon and hung them from the handle of the front door, with the notion that the first single man through the door would be a future husband.

View the recipe.

Barmbrack

Take heed when slicing a “speckled loaf” of barmbrack, another classic Celtic “fortune-telling food.” Within your slice of bread, you could find one of the following trinkets wrapped in baking paper: a stick (foretelling travel), a ring (which means you’ll be married in a year), a thimble (if you’re to be a spinster forever), a button (if you’re to be a bachelor forever), a coin (meaning a prosperous year), a religious medal (predicting a life in the Holy Orders), or a piece of cloth (meaning a doubtful financial future). Today’s supermarkets sell the fruit-studded bread with a ring hidden inside. Sometimes you’ll see Barmbrack spiked with Bushmill’s, but this kid-friendly version uses hot tea instead. For best results, you’ll want to soak your fruit overnight. “Sultanas” are dried white grapes (plump golden raisins), which you’ll combine with currants, black raisins, and glace (candied) cherries.  

View the recipe.

Parsnip Soup

Like all other autumnal festivals, Samhain is about celebrating a plentiful harvest, using whatever is on hand, and preparing to hunker down for the winter. Celtic parsnip soup is a great way to use leftover corned beef from a celebration, combining it with bay, parsnips, onions, chicken broth, savoy cabbage leaves, and heavy whipping cream. Earthy parsnips may not be something your family enjoys often, though it is a flavorful, nutritious, and all around underrated root vegetable.

View the recipe.

Soul Cakes

Soul cakes were made popular again from the Great British Bake Off competition. This small, round, square, or oval bun topped with a cross-shaped currant design were used in medieval times to feed the poor, honor the dead, and free departed souls from Purgatory. On November 2nd, beggars would come to wealthy homeowner homes to sing for a sweet cake – a tradition one could say sounds a lot like trick-or-treating. According to Dr. Ravelhofer, consulted by the show, “These  plays and soul-caking are communal practices that serve community-building, but they also harness the psyche individually and collectively to come to terms with coldness, darkness, and having to die” – perhaps a lesson best reserved for more mature children. Folklore aside, the oldest known recipe dates back to one from Lady Elinor Fettiplace in 1604, which simply reads: “Take flower & sugar & nutmeg & cloves & mace & sweet butter & sack & a little ale barm, beat your spice & put in your butter & your sack, cold, then work it well all together & make it in little cakes & so bake them, if you will you may put in some saffron into them or fruit.” As you can imagine, many a soulless cake has been created in trying to figure out the best way to interpret the vagaries found in this recipe. Here, we cut to the chase and give you one from NPR that will just plain old work. 

View the recipe.

Pumpkin Stew

A warm, hearty stew is a great way to honor the gifts of harvest, warm up chilled bones on a late October night, and nurse a cold all too common this time of year. We love this version of beef stew, cooked up and presented right inside a pumpkin shell! If you don’t have a pumpkin on hand, you can bubble it up in a stove pot, a crockpot, or a cauldron – whatever you happen to have in the kitchen. For presentation, you may consider dolloping a “ghost” of potatoes on top for the kids, complete with two pea eyes.   

View the recipe.

No matter what religion you follow, there are a few Samhain traditions you may like to incorporate – such as honoring those who have passed in your family with a decorative altar or reflecting upon the positive or negative habits you cultivated this past year. What new seeds can you plant?

Love culture, history, cooking, and child-centered activities? Call Shine to learn about opportunities for fun and family in the East End of New York City. We offer classes, workshops, enrichment sessions, party entertainment, field trips, and more.

6 Best Fall Foliage Hikes for East End Families

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“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn,” said Garden Designer and Writer Elizabeth Lawrence. We agree that autumn is a blissful time, where trees burst with dying beauty and blaze like torches, lighting the way to winter – but we disagree that you have to “sit still” to partake in all the glory of the year’s grand finale.

Philosopher Henry David Thoreau tells us, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Gathering our families up for a fall foliage hike is a treasured tradition for us here in the East End. Create warm family memories, enjoying an active, bright, clear weekend at one of these East End New York City hidden gems.

Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

(2595 Noyack Road, Sag Harbor)

This wildlife haven sits on a 187-acre peninsula overlooking Noyack and Little Peconic bays. Birdwatchers delight in autumnal migrations of double-crested cormorants, horned grebes, beach sanderlings, common loons, Forster’s and arctic terns, and turkeys. Cold-stunned loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley turtles wash ashore to warm up on their way south for the winter. The endangered osprey boasts a commanding presence at Morton, with at least two nesting pairs active in the area for three decades. Sharp-eyed tots may even spot resident eastern chipmunks, eastern cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, red fox, or white-tailed deer.

Laurel Lake Park and Preserve

(5501 NY-25, Laurel)

The preservation of Laurel Lake is part of the Peconic Land Trust, dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of 480 acres of land, including 14 miles of well-groomed trails clearly marked for your family to follow. A winding two-mile loop trail will take you up and down changing topography through towering cedars, oaks, dogwood, and laurels around the lake. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy at the scenic lakeside picnic tables. A playground adds to the fun for your youngsters. 

Mashomack Preserve

(79 S Ferry Rd, Shelter Island)

Choose from five flat trails amid over 2,000 acres of mature oak woodlands, freshwater marshes, floral fields, and tidal creeks. The accessible trails range from one or 1.5 miles to three, six, and 12 mile loops. The trails and visitor’s center are open every day (except Tuesdays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but we especially recommend “Souper Sunday,” which feature a guided six-mile green trail hike to Bass Creek Cottage for homemade soup, or “Nature’s Halloween Trail,” which offers friendly costumed characters and light refreshments.

Ogdens Brook Trail

(50 South Fairview Avenue, Montauk)

Ogdens Brook Trail is a section of the 125-mile long Pamanok Path inside Montauk Point State Park that follows Montauk’s famous Oyster Pond. This easy 1.5 miles of unpaved road conveniently starts at the parking area, continuing over a stream footbridge, through the wetlands, and into a maritime forest of undisturbed beech, black tupelo, red maple, and shadbush. Cool sights along the way include a lighthouse and abandoned military bunkers. Later in the season, harbor seals can be seen on the coastal rocks down the yellow-marked “seal haul-out” trail.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge

(3 Old Country Road, Quogue)

The 300-acre Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a favorite for kids, as the Outdoor Wildlife Complex houses injured bald eagles, owls, falcons, red fox, chinchillas, bearded dragon lizards, tortoises, and other New York native species. The Charles Banks Belt Nature Center offers additional wildlife exhibits, a nature library, touch table, children’s room, gift shop, and the best views of Old Ice Pond. Seven miles of walking trails take you through diverse habitats – bogs, fields, Pine Barrens, tidal estuaries, and wetlands. The main trail is not only scenic, but stroller-friendly, too. For $10, you can make a reservation for their annual “Enchanted Forest Trail” walk, taking place at noon on October 26th or 27th, featuring games, activities, and costumed characters.

Sears Bellows County Park

(63 Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays)

Sears Bellows takes you through clearly marked trails of 979-acre parkland, suitable for beginners. The easiest trail is the one-mile, stroller-friendly jaunt around Bellows Pond, but there are paths to continue on along Sears Pond. A fun playground overlooking the water is a great place to park for an extended lunch break. Older kids may enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, pickerel, or perch. 

Pro Tip: We keep an eye on the I Love NY Fall Foliage Report to determine the best timing. (As of early October, we’re at about 15% color change, with an explosion of color expected in the coming weeks.)

Love the fall season? So do we! Join our team of educators in one of our fall classes for seasonal crafting, cooking, traveling, and learning opportunities aplenty. We have something for everyone ages six months to 10 years!

International Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Jamaican Recipes for Marcus Garvey Day

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Six years ago, the Government of Jamaica declared August 17th “Marcus Garvey Day” in honor of the nation’s first National Hero. Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), a Jamaican-born nationalist, civil rights activist, and Pan-Africanism movement leader, sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide.

“Garvey has influenced the world through so many different people, I don’t think the world and even some Jamaicans recognize the worth and impact of his influence – and, just through his sayings, how many freedom fighters and world leaders have brought their messages of confidence to masses of people,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna.

His vision was one of prosperity for African people at home and abroad, and his legacy has caused others to view Jamaicans as equals “in every sphere of life… on the great human stage of activity,” she explained, adding: “As Jamaicans, we ought to be proud of our ancestry; we ought to be proud of our heroes…He was clearly ahead of his time.”  

Close to 600 Jamaicans live here — in New York City neighborhoods like Queens Village, Jamaica, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Wakefield, and Tremont. Perhaps that is why we have a Marcus Garvey Park (which is hosting Black Woodstock on Marcus Garvey Day this year).

What a great opportunity we have, now, to teach our children about Jamaica’s contributions on the world stage, including their many culinary delights. We love cooking with our children as a way of teaching life skills, while sharing valuable time and bonding closely with our kin. Here are five Jamaican recipes in honor of Marcus Garvey Day you’ll love making together.

Jamaican Rice & Peas

Recipe by Schnelle “Nellie” Acevedo, a.k.a. “Brooklyn Active Mama”

Nellie quit her cushy job in the high tech financial industry to bring this recipe to you. “My cousins and I (all 5,200 of us) got together and realized that we will NEED to continue this amazing authentic Jamaican cooking for our own children, or the culture will die with us,” she said in her blog. Flavored with creamy coconut milk, thyme, all-spice, and scotch bonnet pepper, this side tastes distinctively Caribbean. If you need help finding the pepper, try Trade Fair on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria, or Stop & Shop in Queens. In a pinch, you could substitute with a habanero, but you might want to portion out the kids’ servings before adding that spice!

Get the recipe here.

Miss Lily’s Jerk Chicken

Recipe by Chef Adam Schop (NYC) and Chef Andre Fowles (Jamaica) of Miss Lily’s in SoHo

According to Sam Slaughter, writer for The Manual, this is “the best Jerk Chicken recipe you’ll ever try.” It requires its fair share of work – brining, marinating, and grilling. Yet, the end result has just the right amount of spice and sweet. You’ll need to locate a few exotic ingredients – whole allspice berries, scotch bonnet chilies, tamarind puree, and liquid smoke – but most kids enjoy a trip to the food bazaar supermarket. If you’re more into the idea of tasting than cooking, you can always head to the cozy retro diner, Miss Lily’s at 132 Houston Street (at Thompson).

Get the recipe here.

Jamaican Beef Patty

Recipe by Imma at Immaculate Bites

The Jamaican Beef Patty has made its way out of family kitchens and into retail establishments like Walmart and Costco, as well as the New York City school system (which serves over three million a year!) With its flaky, delicate, golden crust and beef seasoned with Scotch bonnet, onion, garlic, and black pepper, the Jamaican Beef Patty is on its way to achieving a fanbase the way pizza and tacos have – at least in New York City. While NY Times offers a similar recipe, people who have made Imma’s particular recipe have been called “goddesses” at the school bake sale, were so excited they wanted to buy the author’s cookbook if she had one, and said they’ll never make another recipe again.  

Get the recipe here.

Vegan Jerk Tacos

Recipe by Chef Troy

Chef Troy grew up in the countryside of Glengoffe St. Catherine, Jamaica before serving as chef at BB King’s in Times Square and the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea. You’ll need some of Chef Troy’s special jerk seasoning wet rub for these kid-friendly tacos, but you can make a similar concoction from scratch if you prefer. The vegan protein is portabello mushroom, with tomatoes and peppers helping to fill out your tortilla. The magic is in the combination of flavorful sauces!

Get the recipe here.

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

Recipe Courtesy of The Food Network

Sweet potato pudding used to be a real labor of love with all that hand-grating, but thanks to food processors, it’s easy enough for a child to do. Filled with raisins, coconut, and vanilla milk, it’s a sweet the kids are sure to love for a Sunday treat or a holiday staple.

Get the recipe here.

Enjoy this little taste of international culture and cooking? Try one of Shine’s classes for more! Contact us to inquire about our cultural classes, monthly workshops (which may include cooking), and about our partnerships with local youth culinary schools. 

5 Options To Celebrate “Make Music New York” With Kids

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“Children are inherently musical beings. They love to sing, dance, shake, rattle, and roll!” says Shine Music Specialist Taylor Feygin. “Adults who provide developmentally appropriate learning environments for children incorporate music as a major component of a healthy and natural daily experience.”

Now in its 18th year, summer’s Make Music New York festival provides the opportunity to introduce your child to different styles of music around the city. Billed as “inclusive, adventurous, and fun,” you’ll find the energizing spirit of celebration is something your family can look forward to each year.

What Is Make Music New York?

Make Music New York (MMNY) claims to be “New York City’s only music festival for the people and by the people.” Run twice a year by Make Music New York Inc., a nonprofit organization that celebrations the musician in everyone, music makers of all ages are invited to share their skills and passions with the community in public parks, plazas, and sidewalks in all five boroughs. This year, there are more than 1,000 to choose from!

The next MMNY takes place on Friday, June 21st — the first day of summer — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where To Celebrate Make Music New York With Kids

  1. Who: Dr. Alex and Friends

What: Silly songs, dance, puppets, books, sing-a-longs; after the free concert, $5 buys you art project materials.

Where: Private Picassos’ Art Studio (237 5th Avenue – Brooklyn)

When: 1-2 p.m. with activities until 6 p.m.

What: Original children’s rock songs and puppetry

Where: Smiling Hogshead Urban Farm (25-30 Skillman Ave. – Long Island City industrial business district)

When: 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.

What: Tenor saxophone and flute; reggae / world / jazz

Where: Children’s Magical Garden (129 Stanton Street – Lower East Side)

When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

What: Free bands and block party, with craft and fitness activities for children and adults.

Where: Cobble Hill (car-free Court Street, between Atlantic and Bergen St. – Brooklyn)

When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

What: A five-member, four-part harmony outfit, with lead guitar, bass, flute, keys, and drums playing originals, Beatles tunes, folk, blues, and tin pan alley. Afterward, a narrated guided shoreline walking tour takes you along NYC Parks and Conference House Conservancy.

Where: Conference House Park’s Great Lawn (Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street – Staten Island)

When: 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Do Your Kids Love Music?

Nearly all the classes Shine offers includes some type of music. From “Sing & Shine” (ages 0-2), to the mixed ages “Music Stars” class, to Group Music Theory (5+) and private instrument instruction (5+), we deliver a fun mix of education and imagination to a place of your choosing. Each class includes a trained Shine instructor, materials, setup, and cleanup. We also offer summer camps that foster a greater appreciation of the arts. Contact us for details.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Puerto Rican Recipes for National Puerto Rican Day

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June 9th marks New York City’s 62nd annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade. An estimated 2 million are expected to attend this enormous celebration, complete with marchers in colorful costumes and decorative floats. This year’s theme is “Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces” – One Nation, Many Voices – and will feature prominent Puerto Ricans like baseball legend Edgar Martinez, musician Jose Feliciano, and pop star (and this year’s grand marshal) Ricky Martin.

The parade kicks off at 11:00 am at the southern end of Fifth Avenue, traveling north between 42nd and 79th streets, to the Upper East Side. The official city festivities go until 5:00 pm, but you may also enjoy cooking an ethnic dish at home with your children as part of the celebration. Cooking can help preschoolers with mathematical concepts and language development, and leads to better nutrition a decade later, so what better gift to give your children?   

Arroz con Gandules

Recipe by The Freakin’ Rican

Anyone who has tasted Puerto Rican cuisine knows that rice is most assuredly NOT a “side dish.” Puerto Rican rice is one of those things you dream about at night, weeks after you’ve been to The Freakin’ Rican Restaurant in Astoria. You might have to visit the Lower East Side’s Essex Street Market to find some of the unique ingredients – like banana leaves; frozen gandules, which are also sometimes called pigeon peas; Sofrito, a powerful base sauce made of garlic, onions, different color bell peppers, tomatoes, annatto (achiote) seeds, cilantro, and Mexican oregano or parsley; and Sazon, a distinctly Spanish seasoning made of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground coriander, cumin, oregano, and annatto seed. There are enough ingredients in this recipe to keep the kids busy tossing items into the pot as it simmers.

Get the recipe here.

Shrimp Mofongo

Recipe by Manolo Lopez, proprietor of the MofonGO Smorgasburg stall, courtesy of NY Times Cooking

“Mofongo is the unofficial dish of the islands,” according to Old San Juan native Chef Manolo Lopez, who has earned a passionate following since offering his interpretation of the comfort food made from mashed plantains, pork rinds, and garlic. Manolo makes his own pork rinds, but you can buy yours. The plantain leaves and adobo seasoning (made from garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and dried citrus) add a distinctly Puerto Rican touch to this seafood dish. You’ll notice there is white wine in this recipe, but the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a slight taste, without the intoxicating quality.

Get the recipe here.

Tembleque with Mango-Kumquat Relish

Recipe by Carmen Gonzalez, Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Carmen Gonzalez is a New York Restaurant School graduate who is celebrated for combining contemporary cuisine with mouth-watering flavors of her Puerto Rican homeland. This simple-yet-sumptuous creamy custard is made from coconut milk, sugar, salt, mint leaves, cornstarch, and orange blossom water. The base is good enough to eat on its own, but most people love adding a tropical relish topping featuring kumquats, mangoes, anise, cinnamon, and cloves. If you’re worried about the one cup of orange rum, you may substitute orange juice to make it a more kid-friendly topper. 

Get the recipe here.

Garlicky Roasted Pernil

Recipe by Chef Jose Enrique, Courtesy of Food & Wine Magazine

Chef Jose Enrique was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and graduated from New York’s Culinary Institute of America before opening a restaurant back home, where he gained a following for his “pared down cooking style” and “dedication to fresh, local ingredients.” After marinating a pork shoulder in orange and lime juices and seasonings, you’ll simply roast the meat in the oven four hours for a feast little foodies will love. Pair with black beans and rice for a full meal.

Get the recipe here.

Sorullitos de Maiz

Recipe Courtesy of AllRecipes

Sorullitos win kids over with their exterior crisp and interior buttery goodness. In the homeland, these Puerto Rican cornmeal fingers (similar to polenta or hushpuppies) are traditionally served as breakfast, but they can easily be converted into party appetizers or a side dish. This dish is fun to form and easy to fry up. Traditionally, they’re dipped in a mayo / ketchup / garlic salt sauce. 

Get the recipe here.

Whether your family simply enjoys learning about different cultures, or your kids are chefs-in-the-making, Shine has a program for you! Contact us  to inquire about our monthly workshops (which may include cooking) and about our partnerships with local youth culinary schools. 

Mother’s Day Keepsake Crafts Kids Can Make

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By mid-May our “spring cleaning” kick is in full swing – just in time for the kids to create toilet paper flower bouquets, construction paper tulip cards, and paper plate purses we simply can’t throw away. Instead, consider one of these more durable keepsake crafts you can do together or have a partner orchestrate.

Tile Coasters for the Coffee or Tea Loving Mom

For this craft, you’ll need 4.25 x 4.25 white ceramic tiles from the hardware store, ultra-fine black Sharpie markers, colored pencils, felt pads, acrylic sealer, and Modge Podge. A whole classroom can complete this craft for under $10.

  • Have the kids use this template or free-style their drawings on paper with the Sharpie and colored pencils.
  • Coat the tile with Modge Podge and stick the drawing on, aligning the top corners and smoothing downward.
  • After the paper dries, add a thin layer of Modge Podge over top.
  • Once the Modge Podge dries, spray with a sealant.
  • Glue circular felt pads onto the back corners to prevent scratching your tables.

Lady Bug Garden Rocks for the Green Thumb Mom

With the last frost having passed us on April 26th, our gardens are ready for plants and decorations. If you don’t live near a natural creek, you can easily pick up rounded “river rocks” at home improvement stores, craft stores, garden centers, dollar stores, or online. You’ll also need colorful acrylic Patio Paint and Patio Paint Clear Coat to withstand the elements, paintbrushes, and a toothpick.

  • Wash and dry your rocks.
  • Add the colorful Patio Paint on the tops of the rocks. Don’t paint the bottoms if you want these with your plants.
  • Paint on a black head and allow time to dry.
  • Use the handle of the paintbrush to dot black spots onto the lady bug. Let it dry completely.
  • Use the handle of the paintbrush to make two white dots for the eyes. Let it dry completely.
  • Use the toothpick dipped in black paint to add black pupils to the eyes. Let it dry completely.
  • Paint the tops of the ladybugs with Patio Paint Clear Coat to seal. You can also use outdoor Modge Podge.

Older kids like the lady bugs. If your family’s unconventional, you could also make “glowing monster rocks,” which are fantastically spooky Halloween decorations. We also love this butterfly footprint flower pot as an easier alternative when working with babies and toddlers.

Marbled Clay Jewelry Dish for the Fashionable Mom

It’s hard to believe these clay jewelry dishes didn’t come from a store. All you’ll need is Sculpey Premo! Polymer Clay (which you can find at Michaels, Joanns, or online), a rolling pin, plastic knife, muffin pan, and a Krylon Gold Leafing Pen.

  • Break off pieces of different colors you’d like in your dish.
  • Roll a long thin piece of each color and twist them together.
  • Smoosh the clay in a ball, mixing it with your hands until you notice a marbling effect.
  • Roll the clay to ¼” thickness. If you don’t have a jar or craft rolling pin, try Sculpey’s Essential Tool Kit.
  • Cut the clay into a circle with a cookie cutter or glass bottle top – something that won’t touch food.
  • Turn a muffin pan upside-down and center the clay circle over a muffin spot.
  • Drape the clay down the sides and create a few tucks for rippled edges.
  • Bake the pan upside-down in the oven, according to the clay package directions (about 15 minutes at 275.)
  • Once your dish cools, remove it from the muffin pan and use the gold leafing pen to decorate the edges.
  • If you want a glossier finish, you can also paint the bowl with clear glaze.

Rock or Seashell Picture Frame for the Sentimental Mom

Do you have bags and bags of shells from your last trip to Florida, or “special rocks” found on your nature walks? What can you do with all of these treasures? One practical idea is to super-glue them onto a picture frame for a rustic look. You can also supplement with polished rocks from the Dollar Tree if you prefer a more uniform aesthetic. Otherwise, you’ll just need a cheap frame from the Dollar Store, paint, and super glue or hot glue.

  • Wash and dry your rocks or shells.
  • Remove the glass and backing to paint the frame. Dark gray, dark brown, or black work well.
  • Super glue or hot glue your rocks onto the frame, starting at the outside edges and working your way in.
  • After the glue has dried, add the backing and glass, along with your favorite photo or hand-drawn picture.

Thumbprint Serving Platter for the Culinary Goddess Mom

It seems one can never have enough serving platters for a special event. All you need for this craft is a rectangular white porcelain serving tray, non-toxic glass paint or dishwasher-safe multi-surface paint, a fine-tipped Sharpie, and a wet rag handy to correct wiggly finger mishaps.

  • Divide the plate based on how many family members you have – into fourths for a family of four. Place a tiny dot of paint where you want each fingerprint so the spacing is equal.
  • Place a small amount of paint on foil, wax paper, or a paint tray. Dip your child’s finger into the paint and press two prints to form a heart shape.
  • Use the damp rag to wipe off the print and start over if the shape doesn’t look quite right.
  • Write names under each fingerprint heart with the Sharpie. You can add a date and any other text you like, too.
  • To cure, let the project dry for an hour and place it in a cool oven. Once the temperature reaches 350 degrees, bake for 30 minutes. Wait 72 hours before using.

If your children love crafting, consider all that Shine has to offer families in the East End. Our enrichment programs are geared toward ages six months to 12 years. You can see some of our little ones making gifts and sharing what they love most about their moms in this video or contact us to learn more.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Eastern Orthodox Recipes For Easter

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Eastern Orthodox churches base their Easter on the Julian calendar, which differs by the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries. Therefore, Christians who attend mass at Orthodox churches will end up celebrating “the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection” on April 28thinstead of April 21stin 2019. Countries that observe Orthodox Easter include: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. Whether you are part of New York City’s orthodox community or you like to educate your children about different religious and cultural observations, cooking authentic holiday feasts is a meaningful way to share all that life has to offer with your children. 

Russian Kulich with Paskha

Recipe Courtesy of the NY Times

Russian Easter coffee cake is a lightly sweetened, egg-glazed mix between challah and brioche, baked in a coffee cylinder for height. Though it’s time-consuming to make, the kulich sits prominently in the center of the family Easter basket, amid meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs. Any time after 4:00 am, the family matriarch may slice up the kulich, spreading the slices generously with unsalted butter or with creamy paskha made of vanilla bean, cream, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and large-curd pot cheese. Candied cherries and ground almonds are optional, but most kids love it. The kulich may also be served as a dessert.     

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Easter Lamb Soup

Recipe Courtesy of Patty Inglish at Delishibly.com 

Since lamb is the main course of choice, it makes practical sense to use the leftover bits into soup. The Greeks have their own version called magiritsa, but this particular Romanian version is a bit more kid-friendly because you can use leg of lamb if you don’t want to throw the whole head in. Soups are always a labor of love, taking up to two hours in the kitchen, so this recipe may work best with your little big kids who are in prime helping mode. With amaranth, kale, and dock greens, combined with garlic, scallions, parsley, and lovage, the recipe author likens this dish to “gyro meat in a soup.”    

Get the recipe here.

Greek Arni Sto Fourno

Recipe by Michael Psilakis, Courtesy of Delish 

Michael Psilakis is the Greek-American NYC restaurateur behind Ecco, Onera, Anthos, Kefi, Mia Donna, MP Taverna, and Allora Italian Kitchen and Bar. You may have seen him on “Iron Chef,” “Ultimate Recipe Showdown,” or “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” You don’t need an “animal roasting temple” in your backyard to roast a good lamb like Psilakis’ family did. You can bake a tasty leg of lamb in your oven in just a few hours with vegetables like carrots, fennel, and potatoes, along with oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage. 

Get the recipe here.

Lebanese Maamoul Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of “Julie Taboulie”

Making maamoul is a multi-generational Easter tradition amongst Lebanese mothers, grandmothers, and granddaughters. The unique aroma of orange blossom water conjures memories of this springtime holiday like no other. After months of giving up dairy, sugar, and meat, this decadent dessert is a must for the post-Lenten feast. Maamoul is also served with chocolate and Arabic coffee during Eid. You’ll need a special mold for this melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie recipe (which you can buy online). Every family has their own secret recipe, but we liked this one from Julie Ann Sageer, a cookbook chef hailing from Marietta, New York because she gives you three different fillings – pistachio, date, and walnut.  

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Cheesecake

Recipe Courtesy of Simply Romanesco

Tired of American cheesecakes with too much cream cheese and not enough crust? “Grandma Vicki’s” Romanian version couldn’t be more perfect with the perfect balance of smooth ricotta cheese custard layered between two rows of sweet doughy crust. Cream of wheat adds a slightly dense texture to the filling. Lemon juice provides a punch of tartness, while the shower of confectioner’s sugar delivers the sweets. 

Get the recipe here.

Don’t forget to dye your Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ. You might enjoy a traditional Greek Easter game known as tsougrisma, which involves tapping the dyed eggs to see which ones crack.

If you like these recipes and your child enjoys cooking, CONTACT US  to inquire about our monthly workshops (which can include cooking).  

The Best Ways to Celebrate Spring in NYC

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The sun is crossing the celestial equator on Wednesday, ushering in the spring season with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The first day of spring has been celebrated by cultures for some 8,000 years. Your celebration doesn’t have to be filled with wine, like the tribute to Dionysus held in Ancient Greece, or be spent cleaning your family’s grave sites like on Shunbun no Hi in Japan. We’ve got plenty of fun ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox with your children this Wednesday.

Celebrate new life by getting outdoors.

The weather is forecast to reach 53, with some sun, so it’s not a bad day to enjoy a little fresh air. If you’re short on time, at least try to revel in the sunrise (7:00 am) or sunset (7:08 pm). Look for the signs of spring in NYC parks, including: the blooming of delicate, pink magnolia trees; the arrival of timberdoodles; the emergence of daffodils, snowdrops, Lenten roses, and crocus from the hardened earth; the budding of red maple trees; and the springtime playlist ringing out from Central Park Zoo’s Delacorte clock, which includes “Easter Parade” and “Younger Than Springtime.”

Special events taking place in Central Park include:

Start your seeds indoors.

The  last spring frost for the New York City zone is forecast for April 5th, so it’s still risky to plant anything outdoors. Yet, it’s the perfect time to start your seeds indoors. Sunflowers in a Styrofoam cup are a fun project for kids who’ll love to see how large their plants grow over the summer. Place the seeds an inch down in a Styrofoam cup filled with loose commercial potting compost. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Don’t over water, but see that the seedlings remain moist to the touch. Set the cup in a warm, ventilated place. You can place them near a window that receives a lot of sunlight, but a fluorescent light will work just as well. Hedge your bets by planting more than one cup, just in case. You can also take the kids to your local florist to hand-pick your favorite flowers for a fresh spring bouquet to brighten up your home while you wait.

Make a fingerprint tree.

Teach your child about the changing seasons, enjoy the “mess” of finger-paint, and create a great keepsake for the home or gift for loved ones with this craft project. Paint a mini canvas light green for spring with dots of light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green fingerprint leaves for the spring. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do the other seasons now as well. If your kids are as young as 2 or 3, it’s best to work on this project for no more than 20 minutes at a time, over a five-day period. 

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