By Jaime Herndon

The holiday season is here, and for families of mixed religions, it can sometimes feel a little awkward. For example, my mother is Jewish and my father converted to Judaism, but his family is Roman Catholic. My brother and I were raised Jewish, but my brother married a Catholic. Their family isn’t religious, but my toddler niece was baptized as a baby. My nephew was not baptized, and ever since he was a baby, I’ve tried to share with him traditions of Judaism, as I will with my niece.

So where does this leave kids? Sometimes it seems like toys and books and traditions are for either Christmas or Hanukkah, leaving those of us with interfaith families struggling to find a balance. It can be hard for kids to explain to their peers that they celebrate two holidays, and they might not have the words for it. Fear not, here are some children’s books that blend the two together.

Light the Lights! A Story about Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas
by Margaret Moorman

Best for kids ages 4-8, this book is about a little girl named Emma, who celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. Each of her parents celebrates a different holiday, and shows kids that it’s okay to learn about and celebrate both traditions. The book gives children the essence of both holidays without being overtly religious.

Bubbe & Gram: My Two Grandmothers
by Joan C. Hawxhurst and Jane K. Bynum

 This book for children ages 4 and up illustrates the two different relationships a little girl has with her grandmothers, who are of different religions. This is a little more religious; each grandmother tells her stories about the origins of the holiday, and they go to church and synagogue. Overall, the book is a great example of how enriching an interfaith family can be, and the importance of learning about different religions.

My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story
by Danielle Novack

In school, children often talk about their holiday plans and how they celebrate with their families. Children of interfaith families can feel nervous or awkward, and this book, for children ages 3-5, shows how nervous Sam is about telling his classmates about his holiday traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah. Overall, this is a great story about how special and fun it is to celebrate two holidays instead of one.

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama
by Selina Alko

This beautifully-rendered picture book is for kids ages 5-8, but kids of all ages will love the inventive art. Sadie has a Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama, gelt waiting for her under the tree, and candy canes alongside her menorah. Her relatives come to celebrate with them, sharing their stories about holidays and integrating the two backgrounds.

Photo: My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story
Published: December 3, 2014