According to ABC News, America is 83 percent Christian. Naturally, this means that the holiday season is mostly identified by Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and a whole bunch of red and green. Don't get me wrong, Christmas was -- and still is -- a holiday I looked forward to greatly; however, my family celebrated it a little differently than most. You see, I was raised in a mixed-religion family, where my father and his family were Christian, and my mother and her family, Jewish. This meant that the holiday season included both Christmas and Hanukkah.

First and foremost I would like to clarify to those who do not know much about religions; Hanukkah is in no way the "Jewish version of Christmas." In fact, here is an article differentiating the two, written by another Odyssey writer, Leah Mann of Carnegie Mellon University.

Second, I came prepared to answer both of the questions I receive once I explain my unusual holiday season. 1. No, I do not get more presents. 2. In every logical sense, merging two religions really doesn't work perfectly; however, I wouldn't change my upbringing a bit. Being brought up by parents who believe and practice totally different ideas results in a different dynamic for each family, and in my case, it was what I consider a religious mash-up. My brother and I were blessed with the opportunity to grow up around both Christianity and Judaism: an experience very few have. While unusual, this allowed for both of my parents to continue in their faith without conflict, as well as teach their children about their faith with us having open minds.

Throughout the year, most Christian and Jewish holidays don't conflict, permitting full attention to be given to one or the other. The only complication this brought was the transition back-and-forth, remembering which story went with which religion. However, as I learned more and more, my curiosity and knowledge allowed me to develop the connections between the two religions, and find further appreciation in each simply because of knowing something from the other religion. While this may have been frowned upon to some who wished I was just Christian or just Jewish, this was an amazing experience for myself, who loved learning new things. What those who judged me didn't quite understand is that while I was coming home from preschool with a dreidel and lesson from The Torah, I was just as interested in making my own cross and learning from The Bible. By not shutting me out to either religion, my parents gave me the chance to find interest in each of them -- something I appreciate greatly.

Yes, one can study religion, but being young enough to practice both with an open mind and willing heart gave me experiences I would never find now. Religion is a large part of how people identify themselves, for it is close to their heart always. My brother was able to use our childhood to more solidly walk in the faith of Christianity, certain that is where he belongs. I, in contrast, used my unique point-of-view to continue learning about each, adapting myself to the values which I am drawn to and now hold dear to my heart. What I have found most interesting of this is that no matter the religion, morals and values do not drastically vary; and -- in my opinion -- that is the real truth behind religion.

Throughout the year my family manages to blend both religions in a manner that still allow us -- even as we've grown older and my brother now declares himself as Christian -- the opportunity to appreciate and respect where we came from. This means that during the holiday season we try our hardest to honor all that each holiday means by prioritizing important pieces of each, continuing our traditions, and remembering the core principles that we are to gain from celebrating such celebratory holidays. By practicing religion in this way, we are able to both honor both of my parents' religions, their traditions, and the appreciation one should have for all religions regardless of their faith. Not only has this affected my brother and I, but my parents as well. I'll have you know that my dad makes the best potato latkes (a Jewish dish I plan on doing a recipe tutorial for), and my mom owns more Santa figures than anyone I know. I love knowing that even if I have all of my grandparents' Nativity scenes set up in my room, every night of Hanukkah I can go downstairs and light my great grandmother's menorah that she gave my mother. None of this may be customary, but I wouldn't wish it to be any other way.

So, while the holiday season is in full bloom and red and green permeate the air, my family continues to do things our special way. That's why, on Christmas Eve, with white and blue ornaments sparkling on our Christmas tree and milk and cookies left out for Santa, my family will proudly be lighting the menorah and speaking the blessings for the first night of Hanukkah. And while that may not be the usual way, I will never not be proud of how I was raised, what I believe in, and that which I have learned from my Jewish Christmases.

Happy holidays!