## A Chrismukkah Confluence: Interfaith Families Navigate Dual Holiday Celebrations
This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day – a rare convergence that presents unique challenges and opportunities for interfaith families. For many, it’s a chance to blend traditions and celebrate two significant holidays simultaneously, while also navigating potential cultural and religious complexities.
Erica and Tim Foster, for example, are making the journey from Chicago to Maryland to celebrate Christmas with Tim’s family. This year marks the first time Erica, who is Jewish, will celebrate Hanukkah in a non-Jewish home. While her husband’s family is open to the observance, Erica anticipates some questions and adjustments, particularly regarding the tradition of letting the menorah candles burn completely. This experience highlights the balancing act many interfaith families face in ensuring both holidays receive equal representation and understanding within their blended celebrations. The Fosters plan a traditional Christmas celebration with gifts and dinner, followed by a Hanukkah menorah lighting and latke making as the sun sets.
The Garcias, another interfaith family, have established a harmonious approach over the years. Maris, who is Jewish, initially hesitated at her husband Antonio’s suggestion of a Christmas tree. However, they’ve created a blend of traditions, opting for a symbolic, architecturally-designed tree alongside their menorah. Hanukkah has become a more family-oriented celebration, with themed activities each night, while Christmas focuses more on gift-giving. This year, they’re hosting an early Hanukkah party for Maris’ family and a later Christmas gathering for Antonio’s. On Christmas Day, they’ll open gifts in the morning and light the menorah in the evening, incorporating a family charity donation as part of their Hanukkah observance.
The convergence of Hanukkah and Christmas, sometimes called “Chrismukkah,” underscores the ongoing dialogue within interfaith families about balancing heritage and identity. Dan Olsen, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, points out that this presents both a challenge and an opportunity for learning and understanding. He emphasizes the importance of sharing family heritage while maintaining individual community identities, noting that the shared celebration can facilitate valuable conversations about the “what” and “why” of each tradition.
Rabbi Steven Philp of Mishkan Chicago provides a broader perspective. He sees the growing integration of Hanukkah into mainstream American culture, evident in the proliferation of Hanukkah-themed items in retail stores, as a reflection not only of the holiday’s adaptability but also of the increased acceptance and safety experienced by Jewish communities in the United States. While acknowledging the recent rise in antisemitism, he highlights the presence of Hanukkah in various aspects of American life as a testament to progress and acceptance. He also emphasizes the inherent syncretism within Jewish tradition itself, noting that many Hanukkah customs originated from cultural exchange.
In conclusion, the coinciding of Hanukkah and Christmas offers a unique lens through which to examine the complexities and joys of interfaith family life in America. The experiences of families like the Fosters and Garcias illustrate the creative ways families navigate these celebrations, forging their own unique traditions while honoring both their religious and cultural backgrounds. The broader cultural context, as highlighted by Rabbi Philp, adds another layer to the story, showcasing Hanukkah’s evolution within the American landscape and reflecting the ongoing journey toward inclusivity and understanding.