" Happy Holidays" seems to be the semi-safe greeting for the time of year that just passed. I, myself, did not intend on offending anyone, so "Happy Holidays" was my go-to greeting and closing when I saw customers come in and leave work. "Happy Holidays" also overlaps celebrations if someone identifies themselves with two different religions. Growing up with a mother from the Christian faith and a father from the Jewish faith, the holidays never failed to be anything but pure entertainment. What do I mean? I mean, imagine two sides of a family, both of different religions, coming together on Christmas to celebrate one another's faith. Yes, both sides get along and both sides are always happy to see each other, but I also get interesting questions and comments about it from people I know to complete strangers on the Wolfline.
1. "Since you are Christian and Jewish, does that mean you get double the presents?"
This question never seems lose its pizzazz. Usually an eye roll will sneak in somewhere. For everyone who does not know, usually kids receive eight presents from the notorious Hanukkah Harry (we called him Hanukkah Charlie because we are rebels) and open one per night. Yes, my mom did a beautiful job at being this famous gift giver, but that slowly died when I caught her -- Hanukkah "Charlie" stopped coming when I turned 11. I still receive presents on Christmas from "Santa," but Santa has a budget because private colleges cost a lot of money.
2. "So does this mean you have to marry someone who is Jewish or Christian?"
If I had a nickel for every time I got asked this question, then I would never have to be in debt from student loans. I never really know how to answer this question without trolling or providing a ridiculous response because I personally do not believe religion should be a factor in marriage. My mother always told me I can marry whoever I want. She said race, religion, ethnicity and gender should not matter. So to answer your question, I will marry whomever I choose or maybe not at all.
3. "So what is Christmas like when both sides come together?"
Imagine a vegetarian child cleaning out the turkey (you read that correctly, a vegetarian had to clean out the turkey for a number of years). There is also wine, laughter and a smoke detector going off because someone caught some napkins on fire. It is just like any other Christmas celebration. No, we do not break out a menorah and sing Christmas carols; we enjoy each other's company. We sit down with a glass of wine and talk about life. For example, my amazing aunt has decided to enter a half marathon. How rad is that? Occasionally, we catch things on fire, but nothing worthy of The New York Times. It is on Christmas day, but to me, it is just a reunion full of fun times and amazing food.
To wrap this present up, I just want to end with a little statement. I do come from two different faiths, but it is pretty awesome. I am not Jewish or Christian; I am Jew-ish and Christian. I try to follow both faiths, but also choose my own path. It is borderline entertainment when we try to do the prayers for Hanukkah and realize that our Hebrew is not on point, but I would not trade it for anything.
To me, religion is a part of my life, but it would not matter if we were Buddhists, Muslims, Atheists or Agnostics because I would not trade my family for anyone else, and isn't the real reason we get together on the holidays? To come together and enjoy what we are thankful for? Each other? Because I would not be who I am without my family.
