This year, the convergence of Christmas and Hanukkah on December 25 offers families across the United States the unique opportunity to celebrate both holidays simultaneously, marking what some call "Chrismukkah." After two decades, this rare alignment takes center stage and is expected to bring joy, reflection, and renewed unity among communities divided by different traditions.
Residents of San Francisco are already embracing this festive season. For Ted Bartlett, Christmas is about receiving gifts and enjoying quality time with loved ones. "Open presents, eat food and relax," he said, reflecting the spirit of the holiday. Bonnie Spindler adds her Victorian-style decorations to the mix, noting, "I decorate my house and have a huge geese dinner," showcasing her unique family traditions.
On the Hanukkah side, Yotam Daniel, owner of Hummus Bodega, highlights one of the festival's beloved treats, noting, "It's supposed to be fried dough. It's kind of like the American donut. We fill it with jam." His sentiment captures the essence of both holidays: filled with family and food.
But there's more than just food and gifts at stake this year. Rabbi Moshe Langer from Chabad of SF emphasizes the importance of this dual celebration, remarking, "The whole message of Hanukkah is one for religious freedom. To have the ability to celebrate openly and freely." Langer encourages community participation, stating, "A great opportunity for the whole entire community from all religions, from all backgrounds, to come together and light the menorah right here at Union Square." The Bay Area's largest menorah and the oldest public menorah outside of Israel stand proudly alongside the majestic Christmas tree.
While festivities are vibrant, families are also preparing for how to harmoniously celebrate these two traditions. For example, Johanna Thomsen and her husband, Felix Ortiz, navigate the waters of both holidays. "On Christmas Day, it’s all about the stories about miracles," Thomsen explains, asserting the importance of storytelling during the holiday season.
Traditions, of course, vary, as seen through the lens of Tovah Raphaelson-Bleakney, who clings to the layering of her religious identity. "I want to make sure I'm honoring our traditions...while creating new ones for our family," she shared. Her household boasts both Hanukkah menorahs and Christmas decorations, uniting both cultures under one roof. “It’s stressful but fun,” she added about balancing expectations.
The importance of this celebration isn't limited to individual families. Religious and academic figures are taking notice and expressing insights about the dual nature of this holiday period. Greg Weiner, the first Jewish president of Assumption University, reflects on this uniqueness, stating, "Some Jewish families have angst over the amount of commercialism surrounding Christmas compared to Hanukkah. It’s very much worth keeping in mind."
Alan Avery-Peck, professor of Judaic studies, adds depth to the conversation about cultural alignment, commenting, "Beautiful religions devoted to social justice... but they’re different." He continues to say such convergence highlights the need to recognize the distinct meanings behind each. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, which is solemnly significant for Christians, whereas the Festival of Lights celebrates victories over oppressors, and the miracle of oil sustaining the menorah for eight days signifies hope and resilience.
Despite the potential for confusion, this one-time overlap serves as both reminder and celebration, encouraging unity among diverse faiths during this season. "It confuses the reality the faiths are mutually exclusive," remarks Avery-Peck, adding another layer to this vibrant conversation of merging networks of belief and community.
While the holidays evoke joy and connection, families must also focus on inclusion. "The season for giving is so true," reflects Michael Korenblit from the Respect Diversity Foundation, emphasizing the act of reaching out beyond one's own faith community and recognizing the essence of both holidays. Family celebrations like volunteering and acts of charity resonate powerfully with Hanukkah's emphasis on social justice.
Hanukkah’s Festival of Lights begins this year on December 25, continuing for eight days until January 2—a time marked by ceremonies, festive foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and nightly gifts, all radiated by the warmth of newly lit candles. The increased intersection of Christians and Jews around shared values of light over darkness strengthens bonds within the community, transcending their differences.
The dual influence of these two holidays encourages families with diverse backgrounds to come together, reflect, and celebrate, affirming the enduring message of hope and community found within the spirit of both Christmas and Hanukkah. With such meaningful overlap, this year's special celebrations are set to be remembered for years to come.
