Jingle Lights and Menorah Nights: Navigating the Joyful Convergence of Christmas and Hanukkah

Lillian Weiss-Pires, aged 8, expressed her love for Christmas as it brings a sense of warmth. She enjoys adorning the tree and unwrapping gifts.

“I like to envision Santa coming in and delivering the presents,” she remarked.

This third grader, residing with her two mothers in Oakland, Calif., also cherishes Hanukkah.

“Hanukkah is a time when you can truly bring together friends and family,” she mentioned. “Additionally, there’s a lot more food to enjoy, and I adore eating!”

A celebration steeped in European heritage

The observance of both Jewish and Christian festivities is commonly referred to as Chrismukkah. In 2024, Hanukkah commences at sundown on Christmas day, a scenario that is quite rare.

Chrismukkah traces its origins back to the 19th century — when German Jews, increasingly integrating into mainstream German Christian society — began adopting Christmas customs in a secular manner. The celebration was initially termed Weihnukkah (“Weihnachten” translates to “Christmas” in German.)

“On one side, the assimilation represented a mark of social acceptance and integration economically and politically,” noted journalist James Wald in a 2016 article concerning the holiday for The Times of Israel. “Conversely, it resulted in a decrease in the Jewish demographic.”

In the United States, Chrismukkah has gained cultural relevance over the past couple of decades after being featured in a December 2003 episode of the television series The O.C. One of the key characters, Seth Cohen, celebrated the holiday to honor his blended Jewish and Protestant ancestry. The O.C. continued to have yearly Chrismukkah specials.

An Oakland Chrismukkah

This year, with Christmas and Hanukkah occurring simultaneously, holiday baking at the Weiss-Pires home is perhaps a bit more hectic than usual. Christmas-themed gingerbread sticks to the countertop, while the rugelach — a sweet Jewish holiday delicacy — accidentally goes into the oven devoid of the cinnamon sugar topping.

“Usually, you sprinkle that at the start, but we can do it now while it’s still sizzling,” noted Lynda Pires, one of Lillian’s mothers, as she adds cinnamon sugar onto the warm rugelach and then puts the treats back in the oven to complete baking.

Intertwined holiday customs run deep within this family. Pires stated she was raised Catholic.

“There were crucifixes everywhere in my home — thanks to my Brazilian father!” she shared.

However, she grew up in New York City celebrating both the Birth of Jesus and the Festival of Lights.

“I cherished attending Hanukkah gatherings,” recalled Pires. “My friend’s mother made the most delightful chocolate cake.”

Lillian’s other parent, Bessie Weiss, is of Jewish descent. She mentioned that she has always recognized Hanukkah.   

“We would light the candles each night, and in some years there would be modest gifts,” she elaborated on how her family traditionally celebrated the holiday when she was a child in the San Francisco Bay Area.

However, she remarked that she has also come to appreciate Christmas over the years.

“Everyone in my parents’ neighborhood would go Christmas caroling!” she exclaimed.

Managing the day

Currently, Christmas melodies remain a significant part of this family’s holiday customs, ranging from “Jingle Bells” to “Last Christmas.” (Lillian prefers the version by Ariana Grande; her mothers enjoy George Michael’s rendition.) They also take pleasure in singing Hanukkah songs, such as “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel.”

However, full-fledged Chrismukkah festivities can sometimes become puzzling — particularly in a year like this when both holidays overlap.

“Whenever I want to wear something that suits the holiday, I usually opt for whichever holiday is closer,” Lillian explained regarding how she has managed her outfits during previous festive seasons. “But I’m uncertain if I should go with something for Christmas or Hanukkah now.”

Her mothers advise her that having Christmas and Hanukkah on the same day allows for a more fluid mix and match.

“Alright, so, blue sparkly pants adorned with the symbol of Hanukkah,” Lillian mused, envisioning her ideal Holiday 2024 ensemble. “And a Christmas sweater.”