For some, the holidays mean choosing between one tradition or another. For others, it’s about celebrating the best of both worlds. At Mid-Pacific, students who celebrate two traditions during the holidays bring a fresh perspective to what this season is all about.
For senior Lexi Roberts, celebrating both holidays has always been about embracing her family and friends’ unique traditions. This mix allows her to celebrate her family’s Jewish heritage while also connecting with the people who mean so much to her.
“My dad’s family is Jewish, so we embrace the tradition of lighting the menorah each night. At the same time, many of my friends celebrate Christmas, and over the years, I’ve happily adopted some of their traditions as my own,” Roberts said.
On the other hand, for senior Garry Umeda, blending Christmas and Hanukkah traditions has always been a way to bring together the diverse elements of his family’s background. This diversity allows for his family’s creative ways to merge the two celebrations.
“My mother loves to decorate our house for the winter holidays, and she manages to cleverly mix our blue and white Hanukkah lights with our Christmas blow-mold figures. Additionally, we sometimes place a few Hanukkah presents under the Christmas tree,” Umeda said.
As Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25th, 2024, and lasts until the evening of January 2nd, 2025, Roberts is able to spread the two celebrations throughout the season. This approach allows her to enjoy each holiday as its own special chapter in the story of her winter celebrations.
“Hanukkah brings the glow of candlelight, games of dreidel, and the smell of matzo balls, latkes, and challah bread wafting through the kitchen, while Christmas is marked by laughter-filled Christmas parties with friends, gingerbread house competitions, and Secret Santa exchanges,” Roberts said.
Similarly, Umeda finds great value in combining the two traditions, appreciating the unique aspects each celebration brings. This blend allows him to enjoy the best of both worlds.
“For me, Christmas has always been about being with close family and enjoying peace and quiet at home, while Hanukkah traditions connect me with my wider community and bring more energetic joy,” Umeda said.
While celebrating two traditions may sound challenging to balance, it has allowed Roberts to experience a unique blend of both worlds. This has shaped her understanding of the holidays, creating a sense of privilege and gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate both.
“It’s taught me that the holidays aren’t about the labels or customs alone; they’re about finding the time to connect with people and honor the traditions that bring joy and warmth into our lives. I’m reminded how fortunate I am to have a little bit of both worlds during this magical time of the year,” Roberts said.
These two traditions have not only shaped Roberts but have also taught Umeda valuable lessons. This blending has shown him the importance of unity during the holiday season.
“Celebrating two traditions has taught me that the holidays as a whole are a time for appreciating others, regardless of differences in religion or other beliefs. This should be a season for unity, as everyone deserves to feel welcomed and loved,” Umeda said.
At Mid-Pacific, students like Roberts and Umeda are redefining what it means to celebrate the holidays. By blending traditions, they honor their families’ pasts while building a unique future. They remind us that the holidays aren’t about choosing sides—they’re about bringing people together.
