Christmukkah

It's that time of year again.  The time for Fox's Bill O'Reilly's rants about the secularization of Christmas.

The truth is, each can look at the holiday the way he/she wishes to.  Different religions can celebrate whichever Winter holiday is appropriate.  Since it is not the true birthdate of Christ, and evolved from pagan tree worship, it has something for everyone.

I am not religious, yet the Christmas holiday has always been dear to my heart as a time of cold noses and hot chocolate, actively demonstrating your affection for your friends and  loved ones (within limits,of course), exchanging gifts and cards (though I think my card list could use some downsizing).

I always take umbrage when someone at work says "you're not religious, so you should work on Christmas".  Sorry, I don't see it that way. 

NPR did an interview with Ron Gompertz who is Jewish.  His wife is a pretty serious Christian.  In an effort to keep each other and their extended families happy, they celebrate Chrismukkah.  The dine on Matzo Pizza and Gefilte Goose.  He says the biggest problem is how close the tree and the menorah should be.  And he reminds those who are affronted that this is a made-up holiday.  His book, Chrismukkah:  Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate the Hybrid Holiday and cards, gifts and ornaments can be ordered from Chrismukkah.com.

Growing up, we had Jewish friends who would put up a Hanukkah bush. 

[Image from The Adventures of Accordion Guy in the 21st Century]

Comments

[Ron Gompertz]

Merry Mazeltov!

Just happened upon your blog, and I'm happy to know somebody caught my conversation with Madelaine on NPR's "Day to Day." One clarification.. although her father is a career minister with the United Church of Christ and mother is very religious, my wife Michelle would laugh if it got around that she was a serious Christian. She actually considers herself an atheist...Buddhism would be her choice if she were to do it all over again. Meanwhile, my parents were German-Jewish holocaust survivors... so we juggle very diverse holiday traditions... which is where Chrismukkah comes in. We can make up our own rules with no fear of Dogma violations. And our daughter loves getting all those presents. :-)