My brother and I grew up having a Jewish mother and a Catholic father. There was not one main religion or one main holiday. Throughout the years, my brother and I have received quite a few questions about our interfaith family.
1. Do you go to Church and Temple?
My brother and I had the option to go to church or temple if we wanted to. For the Holidays, we celebrate both Christmas AND Hanakah. When you walk into our living room during the holidays, you will see our Menorah to your left and the Christmas Tree with a dreidel ornament on your right. We did not go to Church or Temple regularly.
2. Is it weird to celebrate both during the holidays?
No, because I don't know any other way to spend the holidays. Both sides of the family were very respectful when we had to celebrate the other religion's holiday.
3. Do you get double the presents?
No, my parents give us the same amount of presents but they just split them up for each. My mom will wrap the gifts and have them under the Christmas Tree even if they are for Hanakah, which is one of my favorite things that she does. My dad is kind of last minute as far as gifts are concerned, but he always pulls through and right before we sit down to open his gift...it appears under the tree.
4. Did you get baptized or bat/bar mitzvahed?
That was our choice if we wanted to choose a religion, but my parents chose not to do either. We have been invited to both and have experienced both, but it does not bother me that I haven't been baptized nor bat mitzvahed.
5. What do you put on your Holiday Card, Happy Hanakah or Merry Christmas?
Happy Holidays :) everyone is happy!!
6. Does it affect your family dynamic?
It does not affect our family dynamic because my parents have done a wonderful job in supporting each other's religion's and it's holidays and traditions. They partake in each holiday and celebrate it with the whole family. That is the main reason why I do not feel that it is a big deal that I celebrate Christmas AND Hanakah. In fact, I love it because it makes my family even more special.
