“Isn’t there anyone who truly understands what Christmas is all about?” our beloved protagonist, Charlie Brown, laments, arms thrown wide in frustration. One of the highlights of the holiday season for me is those animated Christmas specials. Creators like Seuss and Schultz had a knack for hitting all the sentimental notes just right.
Enter Linus, clutching his somewhat questionable security blanket, ready to enlighten Charlie. “Absolutely, Charlie Brown! Let me tell you what Christmas really means,” he declares, launching into a Bible verse about the birth of Jesus Christ that flies right over my head every single time. Linus might as well be one of those iconic adults from the show, playing a trombone.
As a self-described half-breed heathen, the Biblical messages don’t resonate with me. My maternal lineage is Jewish, while my paternal roots are Episcopalian—or possibly Methodist; it’s a Protestant branch, at least. So, I don’t just celebrate Christmas; I also celebrate Hanukkah. Yes, I’m bi-religious. I embrace both traditions, which often leads to memes and bumper stickers claiming I’m doing the holidays all wrong.
I don’t attend church or temple regularly. Most of what I know about Hanukkah I learned from a delightfully entertaining Rugrats special (sorry, Grandma!), and my Biblical knowledge primarily comes from the rants of pundits on Fox News and some clever Simpsons parodies. So, according to various bumper stickers and social media memes, I’m an abomination responsible for the decline of our good Christian values.
I feel compelled to challenge these notions. First off, if Jesus were truly the reason for the season, we wouldn’t be celebrating in December; that month was likely chosen to coincide with the pagan Winter Solstice. Also, we wouldn’t be “decking the halls with boughs of holly,” a tradition the early Church actively tried to suppress. And as for the phrase “Put the Christ back in Christmas?” I can’t help but channel my inner rebellious spirit—“Whatever. I do what I want.”
If your conception of Christmas is a religious celebration honoring the birth of the figurehead of your faith, that’s fantastic! Enjoy every moment. However, it’s essential to recognize that this holiday holds different meanings for many people.
For me, the holiday season means lighting the menorah while my non-Jewish dad joyfully sings a hilariously off-key rendition of “Happy Chanukah to You!” We gather as a family to enjoy latkes and applesauce, with my grandfather leading the blessing over the candles. For a friend of mine, Christmas includes a chaotic family pageant featuring reporters and even Spiderman. Another friend treasures the tradition of her family lining up by age to dive into presents under the tree. And yet another enjoys hiding a pickle ornament on the tree for the kids to discover.
Christmas traditions can be quirky, unique, and downright charming—much like Charlie Brown’s scraggly Christmas tree.
The real essence of Christmas isn’t found in Linus’s Biblical recitation; it resides within that unassuming tree. It may be odd and imperfect, yet it’s beautiful because it’s created with love and care. The special concludes with that tree transformed into a symbol of holiday joy, thanks to the efforts of Charlie Brown and his quirky friends.
In my eyes, the holidays are about family—plain and simple. It’s about coming together with those you love, whether they are related by blood or chosen by heart, and celebrating in whatever way resonates with you.
As for organized religious traditions? They are a way for me to honor my ancestors. I cherish lighting the candles on my well-worn menorah, which once belonged to my great-grandmother. I relish knowing she used it to mark each 25th of Kislev, just as I do now. Similarly, I love unwrapping presents under the tree, not only for the joy of gifts but also because it follows a legacy passed down from my father and his family.
Some may see my dual allegiance to two faiths as contradictory, but to me, it makes complete sense. I don’t dismiss those who celebrate Christmas with Christ at its center or who cherish the spiritual aspects of both holidays. Everyone has their unique way of celebrating. To Linus, Christmas is encapsulated in the verses from Luke, which undoubtedly brings his family together each year.
However, I become uneasy when others attempt to impose their views on everyone else, especially when they react negatively to stores saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” “Happy Holidays” doesn’t exclude Christmas; it’s an inclusive greeting for everyone, including those of us who don’t fit neatly into the traditional Christian narrative. It’s a welcoming acknowledgment of all who celebrate Christmas, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or anyone who enjoys the festive lights at places like Rockefeller Center. Personally, I believe Jesus would endorse such inclusivity. After all, he probably celebrated Hanukkah too.
So this Christmas, feel free to place Christ wherever you see fit.
Summary:
This article explores the diversity of holiday celebrations, particularly focusing on the experiences of a bi-religious individual who embraces both Christmas and Hanukkah. It emphasizes the importance of family, love, and inclusivity during the holiday season, challenging the notion that everyone must celebrate in the same way. The true meaning of Christmas, according to the author, lies not in strict religious adherence but in the warmth of togetherness and the unique traditions we create.