It's Chrismukkah! Books for Children Who Celebrate Both Holidays
Editor's Note: This year, both Christmas Eve and the first night of
Hanukkah fall on December 24! We thought it was perfect timing to
share this article once again.
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: romrodinka
Originally published: December 3, 2014
Republished: December 21, 2016