Article Discussion: Christmukkah??

[admin]

Click here to read the article:Christmukkah??

[Kelly]

Great questions. As I approach my new interfaith family I've made a 'deal' with my non-Jewish fiancé-- we will spend every single Xmas with his family and never celebrate it at home. For him Xmas is not religious at all and is entirely about family, and since my side will never compete for the holiday we can easily embrace the family traditions that are the entire meaning of the holiday for him. I am concerned about helping my yet-unconceived children establish their Jewish identities, and I think not celebrating Xmas in our own home will be an important part of that, but Xmas will be something we do with their grandparents and cousins. His family has been amazing at embracing me and making me feel truly welcome, I think it will be good. Thoughts, Jordyn?

[S.R.R.A.]

This is a beautiful explanation of how I feel as well. Thank you for sharing and helping me to put my feelings into words.

[Gabrielle]

I grew up with a menorah and a tree.  Every Xmas we went to my grandparents' home for a mostly secular celebration.  I identify Jewish (and so do both my parents, now) but my husband is Christian.  So we have a menorah and a tree at home.  And I still go to my grandparents' for Xmas, because it's all about family.  That side of the family knows that we're Jewish but that we're there because it's family and we love them.  And when it's time for Santa, we go to my in-laws.  It's a balance, and a work in progress.  But I wouldn't miss out on the family Xmas or the family Hanukkah, because it's about family.