714: Creating Family Traditions That Build Language and Culture

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Note: This blog post accompanies Episode 714 of The Latina Mom Legacy, where we dive into how your family traditions, big or small, can help boost your kids’ Spanish and create powerful cultural connections this holiday season. Here, you’ll find the key ideas, actionable tips, and extra inspiration for building meaningful, bilingual memories. ¡Vamos!

What if your holiday traditions could be more than festive? This week, Janny Perez shares how everyday family celebrations can double as joyful Spanish lessons and core cultural memories, all while feeling true to your unique family story.

Discover simple but powerful ways to use music, food, heartfelt “micro-traditions,” and even spiritual practices to make Spanish stick, without adding stress or pressure to your holidays. Whether you’re fluent or just starting out, this episode will help you honor your roots and create new traditions your kids will cherish.

Show Promos You Don't Want to Miss:

DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE'S FREE NAVIDAD BILINGUAL PACK FULL OF SPANISH CHRISTMAS CARDS

Timestamps & What You’ll Discover

0:00 – Why Holiday Traditions Make Spanish Stick
How traditions do the “heavy lifting” for your family’s bilingual journey, by building emotional connection, not just vocabulary.

3:05 – When Traditions Evolve
Janny Perez shares a personal story about her father’s Thanksgiving turkey and why keeping the “heart” of a tradition matters more than keeping it perfect.

5:23 – The Emotional Magic of Traditions
Learn why language “glues” to emotions and how repeating holiday words, songs, and activities every year cements Spanish in your child’s memory.

7:16 – Blending Cultures & Creating Your Own Traditions
Why it’s okay (and meaningful!) if your holiday celebrations don’t look exactly like your parents’ or abuelos’ did.

11:05 – How to Build Bilingual Traditions: Three Key Areas
Get practical ways to start, revamp, or revive family traditions that teach Spanish through music, food, and intention, without aiming for “Pinterest-perfect.”

12:05 – Using Music to Build Language and Bond
Easy tips for holiday playlists, movement, and singing, plus how playing your childhood favorites (or their Spanish versions!) builds connection and teaches vocab.

13:02 – Cooking as a Language Lab
Turn holiday baking or meal prep into a fun, low-pressure Spanish lesson your kids want to join.

17:00 – Bringing in Spiritual or Religious Traditions
How to naturally use Spanish (no matter your beliefs) during the holiday season for deeper meaning and language growth.

19:28 – Micro Holiday Traditions That Make a Big Difference
Small, doable ideas to keep Spanish alive:

• Spanish/bilingual gifts

• Family game nights

• Handwritten cards or notes in Spanish

20:57 – Family Game Night: Ideas and a Viral “Bola de Premios” Game
Make language fun and memorable, whether you’re together or connecting virtually.

24:11 – Handwritten Holiday Cards in Spanish
How your kids can express themselves and build pride, even with just a few words or a drawing.

25:29 – What If You Don’t Feel Fluent?
Encouragement for non-fluent or nervous parents, just start with one word, one phrase, one movie night or book, and keep it fun. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Podcast Takeaways:

• Traditions are the “secret sauce” for building language and connection—no fancy programs necessary!

• Don’t pressure yourself to recreate every tradition. Keeping the heart and intention is what lasts.

• Even “micro” traditions, a game, a song, a simple card, add up to big bilingual memories.

You don’t have to be fluent to make a huge impact: Start small, keep it joyful, and let your kids help teach you too.

About Janny Perez

• Janny Perez is a passionate advocate for raising bilingual children and preserving Latino heritage.

• She is the voice behind "The Latina Mom Legacy" podcast and the bilingual parenting educator behind Confident Bilingual Parenting .

• She inspires parents with her own journey, moving beyond simply reading or singing to her child in Spanish. Janny knows that true bilingualism requires more than casual exposure, it demands intention, planning, and consistent strategies.

• Through her story, Janny empowers families to overcome self-doubt and create new traditions grounded in mindful language learning, helping children thrive in both Spanish and their Latino culture.

• Follow on all social media platforms @milegasi or @thelatinamomlegacy

Viral Quotes from the Episode

“When a child connects a word or phrase to something warm or joyful...their brain holds onto that language so much more easily. Emotion is like glue for the memory.”

“Your traditions don’t have to look like your parents’ did, if you’re keeping the heart alive, your kids are still building that emotional connection.”

Resources & Sources Mentioned in the Podcast

Free Bilingual Navidad Printable Packet– Fun activities and ideas to build traditions, vocabulary, and memories.

Confident Bilingual Parenting Course
Get practical steps, supports, and a community of fellow bilingual parents.

Nobody Told Me This About Raising a Bilingual Child (Book)

Yearly Bilingual Toy and Gift Guides– Search “toys” for bilingual and multicultural gift ideas by age.

More free printables + resources at milegasi.com

How You Can Support & Engage

• Apply to Be a Guest  – Share your bilingual parenting story!

• Leave a Review – Apple Podcast or Spotify. Your feedback helps more families discover the show.

• Join the Newsletter – La Lista at Milegasi.com. Get exclusive tips, printables, and updates!

• Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Reach an engaged bilingual parenting community. Contact us → Sponsorship info

Connect on Social Media

• Instagram: @milegasi

• Threads: @milegasi

• Podcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacy

• Pinterest: @milegasi