Family traditions are something to be treasured during the holiday season. Growing up I was aware that my mom’s side of the family was Jewish, but my grandfather was Christian, so they did not fully celebrate Jewish holidays.

My father was raised Christian, and we celebrated Christmas, but that is as far as it went. It wasn’t till I was older that my mom started to light her menorah during Hanukkah, and I started to explore both religions.

I settled on Christianity and that is also what we’ve raised our children to embrace.

When my father died in 2013 my mom reconnected with her Jewish faith. It was a beautiful thing to see and the comfort and community she found supported her through a difficult time.

Shortly after my mom moved in with us while the Army took my husband all over the world for a few years. 

For the kids it was amazing to have their grandma full time and the extra helping hands were a blessing.

But combining households also meant celebrating both Jewish and Christian holidays.

Many people thought this was strange, there is the obvious difference in beliefs about Jesus, how do you reconcile that?

Easy, we teach understanding, compassion, and that it is okay to believe different things.

We partake in both celebrations, we light the menorah, we put up the Christmas tree.

We celebrate Easter and recognize Rosha Shanahan.

Our kids are taught about inclusion, that it is okay to have different perspectives, no matter what, we respect all people regardless.

I love seeing the excitement fill the house during the Holidays in December, we have so many blessings to honor.

While we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we spend the month praising God. Because at the end of the day no matter what religion you follow, the belief in something higher than us, and that he is good, is something we can all connect on. 

 No matter what you celebrate, or believe, may this season and new year bring you happiness and joy. 

*To read more from Rebecca, Visit her M:M Author Page.