bree: Hello to everyone also

  CindyB: Hello! As Shannon mentioned, I work in post adoption and also have a 16 month old Chinese Daughter

  Shannon H: How important is it to incorporate a foreign born child's cultural traditions into our own?

  CindyB: Holiday celebrations are a great time to build lasting memories and a unique family culture. Incorporating elements of your childs heritageinto your celebrations can help solidify family bonds and the blending of cultures

  CindyB: Incorporating your childs heritage also contributes to an all important sence of belonging for an adopted child

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  Shannon H: What are some ways to do that?

  CindyB: Well, the primary winter holiday in China is Chinese New Year. But more Chinese people are celebrating Christmas than ever before, especially in big cities

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  CindyB: Some of the things Chinese families might do is to decorate a "tree of light" fashioned after our Christmas tree, and decorate it with colorful paper flowers, lanterns and streamers

  CindyB: They sometimes put red lanterns in windows and plan large and elaborate meals at home or in restaurants with family and friends

  CindyB: Of course, again, this represents only a small number of families in China. Because Christmas isnt necessarily a Chinese holiday, I think we have to be creative in incorporating Chinese elements into Christmas. Some examples to follow

  CindyB: Decorative bowls of oranges and tangerines can be placed around the house symbolizing luck and good fortune........

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  CindyB: Christmas trees can be decorated with paper flowers or red lanterns, and some Chinese families do i............

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  CindyB: or, you might decorate a special tree somewhere in the house in the Chinese fashion.........

  Shannon H: These are great ideas. Any others?

  CindyB: Red lanterns in windows represent good luck for the coming year...........

  CindyB: You might hang an ornament from China or representing something Chinese each year...............

  CindyB: and then give the collected ornaments to your child when they have their own first tree........creativity is the key

  Shannon H: While they don't necessarily celebrate Christmas, they do have winter-time holidays that can also be incorporated in or near Christmas, right?

  CindyB: In Hong Kong, a ceremony called Ta Chiu is held on December 28th--the Taoist festival of peace and renewal.........

  Shannon H: What a wonderful theme!

  CindyB: During the ceremony, people make offerings to their patron saint and the festival closes with the reading of the names of those who live in the area.........

  CindyB: then the names are written on a paper horse that is set on fire..........

  CindyB: In hopes that the names of family and friends will be carried to heaven, and good fortune will result for them

  CindyB: An adoptive family could take a version of this ritual by writing the names of loved ones, a special nanny or foster mom..........

  CindyB: and burning a paper horse or candle while wishing good fortune for those named

  Shannon H: What a nice idea. Do you find that most families are good about incorporating these traditions into their child's lives?

  CindyB: I think most people are great about celebrating Chinese holidays, like Spring festival or Autumn moon................

  CindyB: but I do think that some families are looking for ways to blend Chinese elements into the every day.........

  Shannon H: I know you may not know about the outlying areas of Georgia, but are there groups around Atlanta that make a point of celebrating the Chinese heritage?

  CindyB: Definately. Most are familiar with Families with Children from China...........

  judy: How can an adoptive parent learn more about the Chinese holidays and how to celebrate them?

  CindyB: we have a large and active group here in atlanta

  CindyB: I have a great book Called Dumplings and Dragon Boats. .....

  CindyB: I ordered it from Amaxon, and it has wonderful recipes and tips for Americans celebrating with their Chinese children

  Shannon H: There are some books at our resource library as well that can help families.CCAI has a lending library as well, correct?

  CindyB: yes, we do!

  CindyB: another source is the China sprout website

  CindyB: they have Chinese books, toys and cultural items for sale, as well as general information about themost common Chinese holidays

  Shannon H: Tell us more about the support groups in Atlanta. I guess alot of folks, especially those who have recently adopted from China, need a starting point.

  CindyB: Another idea would be to visit some of the Chinese Churches in the area

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  CindyB: and get toknow some Chinese families right here in Atlanta

  CindyB: There are two families here in Atlanta.........

  CindyB: that hold gatherings called "first fridays" at their home.....

  bree: Is there a greater need to adopt in China than America?

  CindyB: these gatherings are open to folks from all agencies and from any stage int he adoption process......

  CindyB: Bree, do you mean, are there more children in need?

  bree: yes

  CindyB: The gatherings I mentioned earlier also provide childcare and refreshments

  CindyB: As for the need for adoption in China vs. US.....

  CindyB: There are hundreds of thousands of children in Chinese orphanages. .............

  CindyB: of course, we have children in foster care right here in the US.............

  CindyB: Many of the children in foster care are not available for adoption. I would say that there are sadly, children all over the world, including here at home in need of parents

  CindyB: Speaking to the support question earlier...........

  CindyB: Alot of families meet others int he adoption---or post adoption phase, on line..............

  Shannon H: Does the First Friday group or other support groups do celebrations for their children such as you've described?

  CindyB: and form informal social groups that celebrate holidays and support each other in Celebrating Chinese heritage.........

  CindyB: I know of a group of about 45 families in the Atlanta area that just gathered informally, and celebrate both Chinese and American holidays together.........

  CindyB: and of course, the FCC puts on a huge Chinese New year Celebration.................

  Shannon H: It sounds like there are alot of wonderful opportunities. Another support group i am aware of is on the south side of Atlanta, hence their name, the Southsiders. Almost all have adopted from China.

  CindyB: as well as other Chinese holidays. I think its great for adopted children to gather with other kids who share their experience..........

  Shannon H: Can you explain more about FCC for those who are unfamiliar with that group?

  CindyB: thats great! I think there are alot of informal groups out there that can be found by inquiring online

  CindyB: sure....the FCC...........is Families with Children from China.............

  CindyB: and its a nation wide support goup for people who have adopted from China......

  CindyB: They offer cultural learning and adoptive parent learning opportunities............

  CindyB: as well as cultural/holiday celebrations, and play groups by region

  CindyB: You can find more info about them by going to www.fccatl.org

  Shannon H: In regard to CCAI, how many families have been placed with children in the Atlanta area since your office opened? Is there a way for these families to connect to one another through CCAI?

  Shannon H: Just an estimate. I know you may not have exact numbers.

  CindyB: the other great thing about the FCC is that because they are nationwide, and offer a network of support for a family that might relocate at some point

  CindyB: hmmm...good question. honestly, thats not a figure I have in my head.............

  Shannon H: That's alright. I didn't mean to put you on the spot.

  CindyB: but I can tell you that CCAI families host the First Fridays, so these are great options...............

  Shannon H: But any place in Georgia has some families to connect with, I am sure.

  CindyB: CCAI also has open house once per year, and a yearly reunion, which is a great time for families to connect, as well as people just beginning the process

  CindyB: sorry messages are coming up twice, my computer is sometimes slow and I get trigger happy

  CindyB: You know there are also some very simple things you can do to honor adoption or chinese heritage

  CindyB: the simple act of burning some incense or lighting a candle in honor of a birth mom or foster mos can be a beautiful tribute for a family to share

  CindyB: You could also hold a tea ceremony on Christmas eve, and information can be found on this subject in many books.........

  CindyB: I think its interesting that although only a small percentage of chinese people are christian in faith........

  CindyB: You see Christmas trees and lights, gifts and decorations all over Hong Kong and Beijing.................

  CindyB: so in a way, some families are incorporating American traditions into their winter festivals and seasons..............

  Shannon H: What wonderfully touching ideas. Sure opens up the dialogue about adoption and birth families. In terms of celebrations, what is the next one families who have adopted from China can look forward to?

  CindyB: Just as we search to incorporate Chinese traditions into ours.

  CindyB: Chinese New Year will be here in February...............I think its the 18th this year

  CindyB: This is also called "Lunar New Year" and "Spring Festival"

  CindyB: FCC holds a huge celebration, and families are welcome to participate, whether they have already adopted or are just looking into it.....

  Shannon H: We've talked alot about the color red in terms of decorations and such. Can you talk about the significance for those who are not sure about its meaning?

  CindyB: This is a great time to join such an organixation, to get in for the most elaborate of Chinese celebrations

  CindyB: Red is the color of good luck! Brides wear red instead of white,,,,,,,,,,

  CindyB: Red is the color of choice for holidays and special occasions..........to bring about good fortune

  CindyB: In Northern China, there is a tradition apon which adoptive families have built the 100 good wishes quilt tradition................

  CindyB: In this adoptive family tradition, family and friends give squares of fabric and a wish written on paper for the child.................

  CindyB: the fabric is then sewn into a quilt for the child, in hopes that the good wishes will go with the child wherever she goes

  CindyB: In China, the quilts would be made from pieces of clothing from friends, family, and neighbors.............

  CindyB: again, in hopes that the good wishes and positive spirits of those who wore the clothes, will travel with the child...........

  Shannon H: Pretty. By the way, aren't there Chinese language and writing courses offered to families? I bet they do celebrations at holidays as well.

  CindyB: You could tweak this tradition into a special christmas quilt.............

  CindyB: yes. Kennesaw State has a program for adoptive families.............

  CindyB: they offer language, dance, and cultural learning opportunities for both parents, prospective adoptive parents and kids

  CindyB: I'm sure that there are some holiday celebrations as part of their curriculum................

  CindyB: Emory University also offers some learning opportunities in cultural programs

  CindyB: Does anyone else online have ideas about incorporating Chinese customs into holidays?

  Shannon H: Even though I realize our chat here tonight focused mainly on the holidays, it has been very informative to learn of all the other opportunities for families adopting from China have to connect to their child's heritage. What other questions are out there for Cindy?

  CindyB: I know alot of families make a real effort to form relationships with Chinese people.............

  judy: In areas outside of Atlanta, do you have suggestions on how to locate other families that have adopted from China.

  CindyB: for the best opportunity to share traditions with your child in the most authentic way.........

  CindyB: sure! Most adoptive families find each other online.............

  CindyB: I would start with the yahoo groups.............

  CindyB: go to Yahoo groups and do a search..........then join some groups, and.........

  CindyB: put out feelers. I did this when i was newly in the process..........

  CindyB: and started out getting to know 4 or 5 other families just starting out............

  CindyB: and this humble beginning is the group that eventually became 45 families strong!

  Shannon H: It might be good for any family interested in starting a support group to contact either CCAI or one of our advisors for help in getting started.

  bree: I'm in the process of adopting a brother and sister. If I was interested in adopted a child from China how long should I wait after this process was over to start research about adopting from China?

  CindyB: The China adoption community is such a huge community

  CindyB: China requires that there be at least 6 months between the placement or birth of a child........

  CindyB: and the adoption of a Chinese child

  CindyB: Call the CCAI Georgia office for more questions and specifics about your situation. we'll be glad to talk with you about that

  CindyB: Yes, contacting CCAI for support opportunities is a great idea................

  CindyB: for instance, I know that we are looking for a centrally located "first Friday" host, since the current locations...........

  Shannon H: Cindy, our time is almost up. I wanted to see if there are any other questions concerning the holidays and Chinese children.

  Shannon H: Not to cut you off. Please finish your thought.

  bree: My love is special needs' do the FCC and CCAI have that information also?

  CindyB: are Acworth and Suwannee. We might also like to start some gatherings in outlying areas, so call if you are interested in hosting!

  CindyB: absolutely! Call the CCAI office or go to our website to read about the waiting child program

  CindyB: the website is www.chinesechildren.org

  CindyB: my number at the office is 404-250-0055, we;ll be happy to answer any fquestions you may have!

  Shannon H: Thank you so much Cindy. You have been our Christmas Angel for the December chat! We appreciate you sharing your time and thoughts with us, as well as your obviously extensive knowledge! Any last comments from anyone?

  CindyB: Thanks for having me here, I enjoyed chatting with you all............happy Holidays to everyone!

  Shannon H: Holiday blessings and safe travel to everyone! Thank you for being here.