This Christmas, as presents are being put away and holiday dinners wind down, Jewish families will light their first Hanukkah candle — marking only the fifth time since 1900 that these celebrations have aligned on Dec. 25, the last time being in 2005.
The rare timing reflects different calendars. While Christmas is a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah follows the Jewish lunar calendar, beginning on the 25th of Kislev. This means the eight-day Festival of Lights can land anywhere from late November to late December in the modern calendar, AP News reported.
The overlap creates both challenges and opportunities for interfaith families. In Oakland, the Weiss-Pires household demonstrates how traditions can blend seamlessly — baking gingerbread cookies alongside rugelach (a Jewish holiday treat), while both Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs fill the air.
“I’m not sure if I should do Christmas or Hanukkah-themed now,” 8-year-old Lillian Weiss-Pires told NPR, pondering her holiday outfit choice. Her solution? “Blue shiny pants decorated with the symbol of Hanukkah and a Christmas sweater.”
Despite the calendar complexity, Hanukkah’s essence remains constant. Each night, families light an additional candle on their menorahs, commemorating the ancient miracle where a small amount of oil burned for eight days in Jerusalem’s Second Temple. These lights, traditionally displayed in windows, now share their glow with nearby Christmas decorations.
For interfaith families, this year’s overlap presents unique opportunities to blend traditions. From mixing holiday decorations to combining festive foods, the 2024 season will be particularly meaningful for those celebrating both festivals.
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