It’s Chrismukkah! Celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah on the same date

In 2024, Christmas and Hanukkah overlap, inspiring families like the Weiss-Pires in Oakland, California, to blend traditions into a festive celebration often called “Chrismukkah.” Eight-year-old Lillian Weiss-Pires enjoys both holidays, finding joy in Hanukkah gatherings and Christmas coziness. Her family merges customs, from baking gingerbread and rugelach to decorating with dreidels and Christmas trees.

Chrismukkah’s roots trace back to 19th-century German Jews adopting secular Christmas practices. In the U.S., it gained prominence after featuring in the TV show The O.C., where it symbolized embracing mixed heritage.

For the Weiss-Pires family, blending traditions is second nature. Lillian’s moms, Lynda Pires, raised Catholic, and Bessie Weiss, raised Jewish, have found harmony in celebrating both holidays. Their festivities include caroling, lighting the menorah, and singing songs like “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” alongside “Jingle Bells.”

The simultaneous holidays create unique challenges, like deciding between Christmas or Hanukkah-themed outfits. Lillian, however, embraces the overlap, envisioning a holiday look combining Hanukkah-themed pants with a Christmas sweater—perfectly capturing the spirit of Chrismukkah.

Source: NPR