Celebrating Multiple Religious Holidays

As we all know, there are many celebrations going on in the month of December. Some of these include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, etc. 

According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, one in every five Americans are raised in an interfaith family.

Interfaith families are in a jumble during the holidays and some even celebrate multiple at the same time. This is possible through the marriage of two different religions. Some families decide to stay strictly one way religiously and others come together to celebrate both.

My family is considered an interfaith family because my mom is Jewish, and my dad is Christian. This means a mix up during the December months with Hanukkah and Christmas on the way.

Our house has an assortment of decorations that include both blue and silver and red and green. Along with the most symbolic and important centerpieces, the Christmas tree and Menorah. 

The first night of Hanukkah starts in late November; this year it began on November 28. It lasts eight days. My family has been lighting the candles every night from right to left while on Facetime with my grandma on my mom’s side while she sings the Maoz Tzur and says blessings. Usually my dad watches, even though he is Christian, and everyone does the same during Christmas celebrations.

Presents are usually shared more towards Christmas, but some are given on the first few days of Hanukkah. Bigger ones are usually given at Christmas and smaller, less expensive ones, are given during Hanukkah.

My dad also participates in some other holidays with us throughout the year such as Passover, when we travel to Florida to celebrate and then we celebrate Easter which started on the last day of Passover this year. After we celebrate Passover, we usually go to church to celebrate Easter.

When dealing with the religious beliefs within interfaith families, it is up to the individual to choose their faith. I was not baptized when I was born, but I could choose to be if I wanted. I could also practice Jewish traditions such as Friday night Shabbat and follow the teachings of either religion. This is different for those baptized at birth. As you are born into Judaism and cannot convert to it, it makes it a harder decision as you cannot go back to it.

There are some benefits and downsides to having an interfaith family and can depend on your personal views of it. I personally do not mind it and find it very fun during the holiday seasons. Being able to celebrate such amazing holidays makes me feel good because you can tell the joy it brings to others and how it brings two sides of families and religions together.