Happy Christmukkah

Arlene Blackman Yolles ♦ December 24, 2019 ♦ 4 Comments

In our family, we celebrate Chistmukkah.  Yep, the All-American combo of Christmas and Chanukah; not that the holidays are equivalent in significance among the different religions; but simply because they usually overlap.  This year, for example, the first night of Chanukah was Dec. 22 and the last night is Dec. 29.  It is, by the way, the only Jewish holiday that celebrates a military victory.  Not a very significant or holy observance, but a favorite nevertheless with children who often receive a gift for each night.

We do, in our family, like most, have intermarriage between religions; many years ago, my cousin started Christmukkah for her non-Jewish friends as a Christmas Eve celebration, and for her Jewish friends and relatives because … well, what else would they do while most of the Christian world is celebrating?  How much Chinese food can a Jew consume?

So, the little Christmas tree in the corner shares space with the menorah.  Potato latkes (if we’re lucky that year) are served with other delights, and Christmas cookies are savored for dessert.  Chanukah presents are distributed to the children, a Christmas gift or two to adults.

All in all, it is an inclusive, festive and joyous occasion when family and friends (often the same) come together to eat, drink and be merry (or freylach, depending on your religion!)

So, whatever your religion or belief, have a happy!