LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- December 25 is not just Christmas this year; it also marks the first night of Hanukkah, creating what many are calling 'Chrismukkah.' For the first time since 2005, the two holidays coincide, occurring together only five times since 1900. This unique overlap has sparked excitement among interfaith families as they prepare to celebrate.
Northridge resident Eric Dollins expressed his surprise at how rare this occurrence is. "I'm actually surprised by it... I thought it would happen a lot more," he said. Rabbi Becky Hoffman from Temple Ahavat Shalom shared her perspective on the beauty of the day’s significance for interfaith families, noting, "We have families who bring a hanukkiah and go to a Christmas tree and have tamales with their families." This blending of traditions reflects the shared warmth of community during the holiday season.
Deacon Louis Roche of St. Charles Holy Family Service Ministry added, "It's about unison... What the world needs right now is so much more of this togetherness." New York resident Nicole Galinson echoed these sentiments, calling it a very special occasion. For many families, the day has been filled with anticipation and planning.
Art's Delicatessen & Restaurant in Studio City is preparing for the holiday rush, with owner Harold Ginsburg noting, "A lot of people are coming out to eat and be with their families... It's also when people pick up potato pancakes for Hanukkah." This meal preparation symbolizes the merging of culinary traditions, where holiday foods from both cultures find their place at family tables.
According to Adam Woodward, December 25 is not just Christmas Day; it also ushers the start of Hanukkah at sunset. The overlap emphasizes the concept of Chrismukkah, a term popularized by the character Seth Cohen from the TV series The O.C., who grew up in an inter-religious household. He blended the two celebrations to maximize festive fun, capturing the inherent joy of interfaith countrysides.
Hanukkah's varying start date is due to the Jewish calendar's luni-solar cycles. The anticipation of this year’s rare overlap has reignited the spirit of Chrismukkah for many families, with greetings cards decorating homes, acknowledging this unique celebration. The phenomenon, which echoes back to 19th-century blending of cultures, is gaining modern significance as shared traditions thrive.
For culinary director Erica Holland-Toll of Culinary Edge, this year’s celebrations mean melding both holiday dinners. She fondly recalls how her family spins the dreidel and feasts on latkes, whilst enjoying Christmas favorites like prime rib. Holland-Toll shared, "The holidays are always amazing to share food and traditions around the table," illustrating how families tie food to cultural identity.
Holland-Toll's personal connection to both holidays runs deep, noting, "A favorite food memory is cooking my grammie's latkes and opening stockings by candlelight." Her culinary creativity blends her diverse background with her husband’s traditions, making their holiday celebrations truly unique.
Petra Wiehe Lieberman and Lance Lieberman, owners of one of the interfaith homes, represent the beauty and complexity of such dual traditions. With their house adorned with both Christmas and Hanukkah decorations, they encapsulate the essence of Chrismukkah. Petra emphasizes the importance of honoring families and their traditions, saying, "It's about connections to our family and heritage," and admits providing balance can sometimes be challenging.
Balancing two faiths can create enriching experiences, as illustrated by the Liebermans' commitment to integrate both of their faiths throughout the year, not just during celebrations. Rabbi Robyn Frisch from 18Doors, which supports interfaith couples, claimed many families work hard to navigate their differing traditions, often feeling the need to uphold Judaism within their homes.
The narrative continues with the Rev. Emily Brewer and Eric Eingold, showcasing how their son engages with both traditions at home. Emily speaks of being purposeful with family traditions, hoping to create opportunities for their child to explore both faiths without negation. She shared, "It's important to see both traditions as distinct and hope our child will grow to choose as he wishes."
During the holiday season, interfaith families face reflective choices, from holiday decorations to their children's activities. They might find themselves asking whether to light the menorah before or after unwrapping Christmas presents. The duality provides flexibility for families like the Liebermans, who encompass both traditions enthusiastically, with phrases like 'Merry Christmas' and 'Hanukkah Sameach' being exchanged back and forth.
Across communities witnessing this holiday overlap, there is joy coupled with reflections on faith, heritage, and family unity. The blend of Chrismukkah celebrations enhances the warmth of togetherness during what is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year.
