Others Who Light a Menorah and Christmas Tree Together?

[fureverywhere]

My family is diverse as all get out. I was raised Presbyterian, only because parents couldn't agree. One son agnostic, another free thinking practicing Buddhist. My husband recovered Catholic. I observe Hanukkah and we have a live Christmas tree. Guess we're covered on all fronts.

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

We aren't to diverse in our backgrounds and I only light the Christmas tree but what I enjoy doing is to celebrate whatever holiday day comes along with a traditional dish. I started doing this when my kids were very small and they really got a kick out of it and learned something about other peoples cultures,including me. I made Jewish potato latkes, corn beef of course on Patty's Day,Black eyed peas for Kwanzaa, Hamantaschen cookies for Purim and Hopp'in John for New years and others as well. Some of them really syuck. We can't live without the Jewish potato latkes( hope I spelled it right) smothered in applesauce or better yet sour cream.

 

[Carla]

That reminds me of a Jewish couple that were our next door neighbors when I was growing up. One year they put up a Christmas tree and really enjoyed it, so much that they called our family over to see it. I think it was probably the wife's idea and had little to do with any symbolism related to Christian, it was just celebrating a holiday with a tree that lit up! I was quite young but I still remember how proud and excited she was.

Whichever holiday we celebrate, (or not) I think there has to be something we all can share along with family and friends this time of year. It's the spirit of the holidays and a chance to reflect upon all the good things in life we've been given and be appreciative of one another.

 

[fureverywhere]

And I think it's the best of both worlds. Just from friends who were Jews from birth, Christmas was a holiday of excess they envied. My kids have the spirituality of one faith and the fun of the other.

 

[Vedaarya]

I come from mixed-religion family (Catholic and Protestant), and strongly believe, we all are the children of the same God, whatever we imagine Him to be, how we worship and celebrate. Tolerance and acceptance are of crucial importance, and I like all the posts above.

 

[Wilberforce]

I light a menorah although I am Christian and I cook Christian food, but I also cook at least one Jewish meal during Hanukah. my father was a converted Jew so grew up with both to celebrate.