The beginning of December is rapidly approaching and I can already feel the holiday season ringing in. I was raised to not celebrate the sacred Christian holiday as all of my friends do and have always done. Yet, it has been unavoidable to at least take part in some of the joyous festivities due to the Americanization of the beloved holiday.

As a child, I was taught to celebrate one of the other holidays in December, Chanukah, and it’s few traditions which have also been Americanized to the point where Chanukah has become too similar to Christmas.

Growing up, I remember taking part in the present buying process, watching Christmas television specials with my family and singing along with the catchy holiday songs on the radio. Though our religion prohibits the celebration of Christmas, my family had found many ways to take part in the cultural aspects of the holiday.

Over time, Christmas has become a very Americanized holiday. The customs of Christmas such as having a Christmas tree, placing Christmas presents under that tree and placing Christmas decorations outside of houses have become a commonplace for Christian and non-Christians alike. Though this does not apply to me and my family, I know many families of many various descents who do not celebrate Christmas but have Christmas trees and partake in many, if not all of the customs that come along with the holiday.

The fact that radio stations overplay holiday tunes and television stations constantly play classic Christmas specials throughout the month of December does not help the fact that the Christmas cheer has become contagious. Additionally, the fun, and delicious tradition of building gingerbread houses has become my favorite thing to during the jolly holiday season.

Over many years, society has started to include the Jewish holiday of Chanukah as part of the holiday season. Chanukah is one of the only Jewish holidays that people who are not even Jewish acknowledge. Despite popular belief, Chanukah is not one of the most important or popular Jewish holidays. It is a very minor Jewish holiday and it is overrated.

Lighting the Chanukah Menorah is an age-old Hanukkah tradition, associated with the miraculous burning of the Menorah, during the rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Jews typically recite candle lighting blessings during the eight days of Chanukah. For the purpose, all the members of the family congregate around the Menorah and sing religious tunes.

There are the few customs for the minor holiday. Contrary to popular belief, there is no “Chanukah Harry” to put presents under our “Chanukah Bushes”. Gift giving is not one of these customs either. Yes, I do love giving and receiving presents but that is a very Americanized and these are modern customs of Chanukah which does not really celebrate the meaning of the holiday.

Multiple holiday seasons have come and gone and I have formed my own opinions about the holiday season. Though was raised to not celebrate Christmas, it has been unavoidable due to the Americanization of the beloved holiday. This year, I hope to participate in the joyous season of giving while also remembering my roots and the real reason why both Christmas and Chanukah, alike are celebrated.