Keeping Your Culture Alive in Your New Home

When you move to the United States as a military spouse, you face a lot of pressure to assimilate. You are forced to learn English, figure out American driving rules, and adapt to an entirely new way of life just to survive your daily errands. While adapting is important, it does not mean you have to erase where you came from. In fact, keeping your native culture alive inside your home is vital for your emotional health and your identity.

Your Home is Your Sanctuary 

When you close the front door, the outside world should fade away. Decorate your house with items from your home country—art, textiles, or photographs. Play the music you grew up listening to while you cook or clean. If you have children, make it a strict priority to speak to them in your native language. Do not worry about them falling behind in English; the schools will teach them English. It is your job to give them the gift of their heritage language. Being bilingual is a massive advantage in life.

The Power of Traditional Food 

Food is one of the strongest connections we have to home. Smelling a familiar dish cooking on the stove can instantly cure a bad day of homesickness. It might be hard to find your traditional ingredients at the base Commissary, but do not give up. Pro tip: If you have someone visiting you from home, have them carry some of your favorite dishes. It will give you a taste of home.

Almost every American city has smaller "International" or specialty grocery stores. Spend a Saturday exploring. Search Google Maps for an "Asian market," "Hispanic grocery," or "European deli." Even if you have to drive an hour to find the right spices, it is worth it.

Share Your Culture with Pride 

Do not hide your culture. Celebrate your country's national holidays, even if the Americans around you do not know what they are. In fact, invite your new military friends over to celebrate with you! Cook your traditional foods and explain what the holiday means. Americans generally love experiencing new cultures and trying authentic food. You bring a beautiful, unique perspective to the military community, and you should be proud to share it.

Helpful Resources:

• Google Maps & Yelp: Use these apps to search for specific cultural markets and authentic restaurants near your installation.

• Facebook Cultural Groups: Search Facebook for groups like "[Your Nationality] in [Your Current U.S. State]" (e.g., "Filipinos in Texas" or "Germans in Virginia"). It is incredibly comforting to find people who share your background living nearby.

• World Market / Online Specialty Grocers: If you live on a very remote base, websites like World Market, Amazon, or dedicated cultural grocery websites can ship traditional snacks and spices right to your door.