THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - DEC. 2024
By Jon Oaks
The holiday season is often a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many adoptees, it can also bring a swirl of emotions, from nostalgia and longing to feelings of loss and disconnection.
Family gatherings may prompt questions about biological heritage, cultural identity, or personal experiences that can feel overwhelming or isolating. Adoptees in transracial or international families may face heightened feelings of difference when their cultural traditions are absent from holiday celebrations. For others, this season can evoke a longing for connections with birth families or reminders of the loss and grief often intertwined with adoption.
Adoptees who are searching for their birth families or navigating the complexities of reunion efforts may find this time especially challenging. Social media posts showcasing large, unified family gatherings or "perfect" holiday moments can amplify feelings of inadequacy or isolation.
Holidays centered around family traditions and togetherness often magnify these complexities. However, they can also offer opportunities for growth, reflection, and connection. By focusing on what feels meaningful and grounding, adoptees can create a more fulfilling holiday experience.
Tips for Adoptees to Navigate the Holidays
Create Your Own Traditions: If traditional family celebrations don’t resonate, consider establishing your own rituals that bring you joy and comfort.
Incorporate Elements of Your Heritage: Exploring holiday customs from your birth culture can help you feel more connected to your roots.
Korean-Inspired Holiday Recipes
Here are a few Korean-inspired dishes that adoptees may enjoy preparing to honor their heritage during the holidays:
Traditional Dishes:
Galbi Jjim (Braised Short Ribs): A rich and tender dish of beef short ribs slow-cooked in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, carrots, and chestnuts.
Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles): Vibrant sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and tossed in a sesame-soy sauce.
Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes): Pancakes filled with a brown sugar, cinnamon, and nut mixture, creating a gooey, caramel-like center.
Creative Treats with a Korean Twist:
Gochujang Caramel Cookies: Sweet and smoky cookies combining the heat of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with gooey caramel.
Honey Butter Korean Cornbread Muffins: Tender, buttery muffins finished with a drizzle of honey butter glaze, perfect for a festive table.
Kimchi Cheddar Biscuits: Flaky biscuits with the spicy tang of kimchi and the richness of cheddar cheese—great alongside soups or stews.
Persimmon and Walnut Loaf Cake: A spiced loaf featuring fresh or dried persimmons and crunchy walnuts, evoking the warmth of Korean winter flavors.
Finding Joy and Support
While the holiday season may bring emotional challenges, it’s also a time for possibility. Adoptees can embrace meaningful traditions, honor their feelings, and lean on supportive networks to create a holiday experience that feels authentic and affirming. Whether through cooking, connecting with others, or simply finding moments of quiet reflection, the season can be a time to celebrate identity and growth.
By focusing on what matters most, adoptees can find strength and joy, making the holidays a time of both remembrance and renewal.