This year, December 25th marks a rare and extraordinary occasion: the convergence of Christmas Day and the start of Hanukkah. Known as “Chrismukkah,” this unique overlap, occurring for only the fifth time in 114 years, creates an opportunity for interfaith families around the world to celebrate their traditions together in a spirit of unity and joy.
A Unique Alignment of Traditions
Christmas and Hanukkah, while rooted in different faiths, share themes of light, hope, and celebration. This rare overlap offers interfaith families the chance to blend customs and create meaningful, shared experiences. From decorating Christmas trees and lighting menorahs to exchanging gifts and enjoying traditional meals, families have found creative ways to honor both holidays.
“Chrismukkah,” a term popularized by Seth Cohen (played by Adam Brody) on the teen drama The O.C. in 2003, has become a cultural shorthand for this joyful fusion of traditions. The blending of Christmas and Hanukkah reflects the growing number of interfaith families who embrace the opportunity to celebrate their diverse heritages.
Stars Who Celebrate Chrismukkah
Several celebrities with interfaith backgrounds are known for their unique holiday traditions that honor both Christmas and Hanukkah.
- Lance Bass (of NSYNC fame) and his husband Michael Turchin celebrate Chrismukkah with their twins, sharing photos of Christmas trees adorned with Hanukkah-themed ornaments and hosting festive gatherings that include latkes and holiday cookies.
- Eugene Levy, the beloved actor from Schitt’s Creek, has spoken about celebrating both holidays with his family, blending Jewish and Christian traditions in a way that reflects their inclusive values.
- Gwyneth Paltrow, who has Jewish heritage, incorporates elements of Hanukkah into her family’s Christmas festivities, lighting the menorah alongside the tree.
- Drake, the globally renowned rapper, often shares glimpses of his Hanukkah celebrations while also embracing Christmas festivities, showcasing his interfaith upbringing.
These stars, like many interfaith families, demonstrate how the holidays can be a time of inclusion and shared traditions.
Interfaith Families Around the World
The overlap of Christmas and Hanukkah is not just a celebrity phenomenon—it’s a cherished time for families worldwide. In households where one partner observes Christmas and the other celebrates Hanukkah, this year’s rare alignment allows for special joint celebrations.
For many, the holidays serve as a reminder of the beauty of religious and cultural diversity. Families often use this occasion to teach their children about the significance of both holidays, fostering understanding and respect for their unique heritages.
A Time for Light and Unity
At its core, both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope and salvation. For Jews, Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the menorah, which burned for eight days despite having only one day’s worth of oil.
The convergence of these holidays provides a symbolic reminder of shared values and universal themes of love, hope, and togetherness.
Creating New Traditions
This year’s Chrismukkah is an invitation for families to create new traditions that honor both holidays. From hybrid meals—featuring everything from brisket and ham to latkes and gingerbread cookies—to collaborative acts of charity and giving, families are finding ways to make the dual celebration meaningful and memorable.
A Rare Occasion Worth Cherishing
As Christmas and Hanukkah align, the world witnesses a beautiful blend of traditions that highlights the importance of unity, understanding, and celebration across faiths. Whether you’re trimming a tree, lighting a menorah, or doing both, this year’s Chrismukkah is a rare and special moment to cherish with loved ones.
For interfaith families and communities, this unique holiday season is a reminder of the strength that comes from embracing diversity and the joy that comes from celebrating together.