When wintertime rolls around most people instinctively think about snow, shopping, and Santa. I live in Texas, so snow is not something I really think about. Shopping is something I obviously have to do because I need to buy myself at least one good present, plus one for my family's secret Santa. But Santa is not the only thing I think about around the holidays.
Along with gingerbread houses, putting ornaments on the tree, and driving around looking at Christmas lights, I also think about lighting the menorah, playing dreidel with my family, and scarfing down a whole bunch of latkes. I exchange presents, make the perfect cookies and fudge, and go pick out the perfect Christmas tree. Guess what, my dad (who is Jewish) will do all of those things with us. As a family.
No, I cannot speak Hebrew, read the Torah, or answer any questions you may have about Judaism. I was raised Catholic, but will still celebrate holidays with my dad and his family when the occasion arises. It used to be something completely different from what I was used to, but over time it just became the norm. Yes, I go to mass every Sunday when I'm home.
No, I have never been to a service in a synagogue. Growing up with these two particularity different cultures in my life was weird at first. But when other kids would find out that I celebrated Hannukah and Christmas they had so many questions and I suddenly realized that celebrating two different religions during the holiday season was not, in fact, something that every family does. At first, that made me feel really special. Although, as time went on I realized that it was making me feel less and less special because it just became the norm. Until high school.
Teachers and new friends didn't know what to say to me when the holiday season rolled around. Yes, I celebrate both Hannukah and Christmas. But all that means is you can wish me a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, or both. It really makes absolutely no difference to me which one you say. I remember people asking if I would get offended when told "Merry Christmas" and all I could do was give them a look of confusion.
One, I celebrate Christmas. Two, you are wishing me a good Christmas, so it was a nice thing to say anyway. It's crazy how as soon as you tell people you celebrate more than one culture how careful and self-conscious they become around you. It's sweet that you don't want to say anything that will offend me, but unless you are telling me a joke about the Holocaust, I probably won't get offended.
I love the fact that I got to grow up with learning about two different cultures and celebrating holidays for both Catholicism and Judaism. Because of this, I am able to be much more open to different cultures, different kinds of people, and overall it has made me a better person who is more open-minded and nondiscriminatory towards people I will meet and have already met. Which really came in handy when making friends in college.
