Bridging Cultures During the Holidays: Winter Traditions in Pakistan and America

Winter has always felt layered in my life. It’s never been just one set of traditions, one kind of celebration, or one definition of what the holidays are supposed to look like. Being Pakistani and American means winter exists in two places at once—sometimes overlapping, sometimes colliding, and sometimes quietly coexisting.

On one side, there’s Pakistan: a winter shaped by community, warmth, and togetherness. On the other, there’s America: colder weather, decorated homes, Christmas music everywhere, and a calendar that tells you it’s time to celebrate whether you feel ready or not. Growing up between these worlds taught me that holidays don’t have to look one way to be meaningful.

Winter in Pakistan: Community, Faith, and Shared Warmth

In Pakistan, winter looks different depending on where you are and who you’re with. For many families, the season is about food, chai, shawls, heaters, and gathering close. In cities like Lahore and Sialkot, winter evenings often revolve around busy kitchens, slow-cooked meals, and long conversations that stretch late into the night.

Christmas is also celebrated in parts of Pakistan, particularly among Christian communities. Churches are decorated, choirs practice, homes are lit with care, and families gather to celebrate with prayer, food, and joy. While it may not dominate the national calendar the way it does in the United States, it holds deep meaning for those who observe it.

What stands out most to me about winter in Pakistan is how collective it feels. Whether the gathering is religious, cultural, or simply social, the emphasis is on being together. Comfort isn’t manufactured — it’s shared.

Winter in America: Celebration, Tradition, and Visibility

American winters are visually loud in the best and worst ways. Christmas lights line streets, music plays everywhere, and traditions are proudly displayed. For many, this visibility creates warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging.

There’s something undeniably comforting about it — the baking, the decorations, the rituals passed down through families. When it works, it creates connection and magic.

But it can also be overwhelming. The expectation to participate, to feel joyful, to show up in a specific way can feel heavy — especially for those navigating grief, anxiety, or cultural differences.

Living Between Traditions

Growing up with a Pakistani father and a German-Scottish American mother meant winter in our home was a blend rather than a rulebook. Traditions were adapted, shared, and sometimes created from scratch.

Food became the common language. A winter meal might include dishes from Pakistan alongside American holiday favorites. What mattered wasn’t where the tradition came from — it was the care behind it.

Being between cultures taught me that you don’t have to choose one version of celebration. You’re allowed to honor multiple traditions, or none at all, depending on where you are in life.

Creating Space for All Winter Stories

One of the most important things winter has taught me is that no culture celebrates in just one way. Pakistan holds multitudes — faiths, traditions, and expressions of joy. America does too.

There is room for Christmas in Pakistan. There is room for quiet winters in America. There is room for blended homes, rewritten traditions, and softer celebrations that don’t fit neatly into expectations.