As the holiday season unfolds, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. Twinkling lights line the streets, carols ring out from speakers in stores, and an unmistakable warmth fills the chill of December. For those of us who are Jewish, this season can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope between our own traditions and the dominant culture’s celebrations. But what if, instead of walking that tightrope, we embraced the season with open arms and hearts, allowing ourselves to find joy and connection in it all?
Christmas, of course, is not our holiday. We have our own beautiful traditions—lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, savoring the crispy delight of latkes. Yet as we celebrate Chanukah, we can also take part in the broader joy of the season without feeling like we’re compromising our identity. It’s entirely possible to remain deeply rooted in who we are as Jews while appreciating the festive spirit of Christmas.
At its core, the Christmas season isn’t about religion alone; it’s about togetherness, generosity and love. These values resonate deeply with Jewish teachings. After all, we’re commanded to care for others and be good humans. The warmth that Christmas brings out in people—whether through acts of kindness or simply wishing one another well—is something we can celebrate, too. When someone says, “Merry Christmas,” they’re extending goodwill, not asking us to convert. And when we respond in kind, we’re sharing that goodwill right back.
A song for everyone
Christmas music is one of the season’s purest joys. Songs like “White Christmas,” “Let It Snow” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” were actually written by Jewish composers who found beauty and inspiration in the holiday. Irving Berlin, who penned “White Christmas,” gave us an enduring classic because he saw the universal appeal of dreaming of peace, joy and hope. Singing along to these tunes doesn’t dilute our Jewishness; it connects us to the creativity of our people and to the shared human experience.
In fact, embracing Christmas music can even be a nod to the Jewish contribution to the season’s cultural fabric. These songs remind us that we’ve long been part of shaping what makes the holidays special, even for those who celebrate differently than we do.
The power of positivity
For some, being Jewish at Christmas can feel isolating, especially in a world so saturated with holiday cheer. But reframing that feeling can transform the experience. Instead of seeing the season as a time when we’re “outside,” we can see it as an opportunity to be “inside” something bigger—a collective celebration of love and light. Whether attending a party, baking cookies for a friend or admiring a neighbor’s beautifully decorated tree, these moments can bring joy and connection.
Wishing someone “Merry Christmas” doesn’t diminish our Jewish pride; it’s an acknowledgment of their joy. It’s a small act of kindness that costs nothing but means everything. And when someone says it to us, it’s an opportunity to graciously receive their goodwill. After all, our faith teaches us to welcome others’ kindness with open hands and hearts.
Our own ‘Festival of Lights’
Chanukah, too, is a celebration of light in the darkness. When we light the menorah, we’re reminded of the resilience of the Jewish people and the miracles that have sustained us through generations. It’s a message that aligns beautifully with the season’s overarching themes of hope, perseverance and faith in brighter days ahead.
By proudly celebrating Chanukah while also embracing the broader spirit of the season, we send a powerful message: that light, love and joy are for everyone. We honor our Jewish identity while building bridges with our neighbors.
Choosing connection
In a world that can often feel divided, the holiday season offers a rare chance for unity. Whether it’s by enjoying a classic Christmas movie, donating to a toy drive or attending a community event, we can take part in the season’s joy without compromising who we are. Choosing connection over division is deeply Jewish—it’s a way to live out the value of shalom, or “peace.”
So, let’s savor the season. Let’s wish people Merry Christmas, Chag Sameach and Happy New Year with equal enthusiasm. Let’s let the music play, the lights twinkle, the dreidel spin and the joy flow. Because being Jewish at Christmas isn’t about what separates us; it’s about what connects us. And that connection is the greatest gift of all.