Navigating the Joyful Jumble: Celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah on the Same Day

Chrismukkah traces its origins back to the 19th century — when German Jews, some of whom were increasingly integrating into mainstream German Christian society — incorporated Christmas customs in a non-religious manner. The observance was initially named Weihnukkah (“Weihnachten” translates to “Christmas” in German.)

“On one side, this integration was indicative of social acceptance as well as economic and political inclusion,” journalist James Wald wrote in a 2016 piece regarding the holiday for The Times of Israel. “Conversely, it resulted in a decrease in the Jewish demographic.”

In the U.S., Chrismukkah has acquired cultural relevance over the last few decades following its portrayal in a December 2003 episode of the television series The O.C. One of the key characters, Seth Cohen, observed the holiday as a way to honor his mixed Jewish and Protestant heritage. The O.C. subsequently featured annual Chrismukkah specials.

An Oakland Chrismukkah

As Christmas and Hanukkah coincide this year, holiday baking in the Weiss-Pires home is possibly a bit more hectic than typical. Christmas-themed gingerbread sticks to the kitchen counters, and the rugelach — a delightful Jewish holiday pastry — accidentally enters the oven without the cinnamon-sugar topping.

“ Usually, you add it right at the start, but we can do it now while it’s still sizzling,” noted Lynda Pires, one of Lillian’s mothers, as she sprinkles cinnamon sugar onto the hot rugelach before placing the treats back in the oven to finish baking.

Mixed holiday customs run deep within this family. Pires shared that she was raised in the Catholic tradition.

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

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

“I adored participating in Hanukkah gatherings,” Pires reminisced. “My friend’s mother baked the most delicious chocolate cake.”

Lillian’s other parent, Bessie Weiss, is Jewish. She mentioned that Hanukkah has always been a part of her celebrations.   

“ We would kindle the candles each night, and during some years, there would be small presents,” she shared about her family’s typical Hanukkah festivities while growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area.

However, she also expressed that she has embraced Christmas over time.

“All the Jewish families in my parents’ neighborhood would go Christmas caroling!” she exclaimed. 

Managing the day

Currently, Christmas melodies continue to be an integral part of the family’s holiday customs, ranging from “Jingle Bells” to “Last Christmas.” (Lillian has a preference for the Ariana Grande rendition; her mothers favor George Michael.) They also enjoy performing Hanukkah songs, such as “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel.”