Looking for yet another reason to eat delicious food and give (and receive!) gifts in the upcoming month?   Chrismukkah is the ultimate interfaith holiday.

The holiday originated on the television show The O.C. in the early 00’s in a mixed Jewish-Christian household, when Seth Cohen declared that he had “created the greatest super-holiday known to mankind”.  It is now a part of pop culture-and isn’t just for interfaith households-but can be celebrated by everyone.  Before it worked its way into the mainstream, many Jews were already celebrating Christmas as a “festival of the world around us”.  Many contemporary Jews were celebrating Christmas in a secular sense, while celebrating Hanukkah as their religious holiday.  Now more than ever, in the year 2016, when the first day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Eve at sundown, Chrismukkah can bring friends and family together for food and celebration.

 THE FH QUICK CHRISMAKKUH GUIDE

 Start the evening out in true Shabbat style with challah bread!   A perfect hostess gift is this Shabbat set from Faithhaus, including a beautiful challah cover: 

A universally loved appetizer is potato latkes. Here is a great contemporary recipe. Serve with sour cream and applesauce:

http://www.purewow.com/recipes/The-Crispiest-Potato-Latkes-Ever

Make your own with this super cute DIY project:

 Directions here:  http://www.yamaclaus.com/yamaclaus-print/

8 DAYS OF PRESENTS

 The Magic of Chrismukkah is in the 8 days of presents, with one special day filled with many presents! 

Light the first candle with this contemporary menorah $150

The perfect all natural beeswax candles for the menorah (or a birthday cake!) $23 for 45

A gnome/tomte/nisse lurking on your mantle adds a Scandinavian touch without screaming CHRISTMAS, $20-28

A wreath on the door? Get a year-round rustic look with this faux deer-antler wreath $100

For the home with an organic and modern look this Kiddush cup (doubles as a contemporary chalice!) fits the bill : 

The hamsa is the universal symbol of protection and good luck. This gold leaf hamsa is the perfect interfaith décor for your space.

 Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from Faithhaus!

We found this lovely piece called "Sacraments linked to seasons" written by Lucy Balish, an 8th grade young lady who attends St. John Fisher School in Portland, OR.
We are excited to see someone so wise and thoughtful in her writing and her life at this age. For those who aren't familiar with the term sacraments here is the definition: a religious ceremony or act of the Christian Church that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace, in particular. We can't say anything better than she did so read on... and thank you Lucy, for letting us re-print this from the Catholic Sentinal.

Sacraments Linked to Seasons, by Lucy Balish

Ever since I moved out of my crib, I have been surrounded by the rituals of farm life and have learned the routine of each season. Over these years of growing in faith, I have found that the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church have a peculiar way of connecting to the seasons of the year.

For me, springtime is the beginning of a new year. The excitement of planting seeds, seeing sprouts, and watching flowers blossom motivates me to step outside and breathe in the fresh spring air. The start of spring is similar to Baptism because in both we are born again. Later in the spring, the cold changes to warmer weather.

Reconciliation parallels this because one is cold when they are separated from God but grow warmer as they become closer to him. During summer, I love to watch the fruit and vegetables grow, develop, and ripen with the warm sun on my back. This is similar to receiving Communion when we grow closer to God and feel his light upon our face. Confirmation is like the sunny, warm, and welcoming long days of summer that we savor. With this sacrament, we commit to our faith like the summer weather commits to the growth of crops.

In the fall, I look forward to raking the colorful leaves and harvesting the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and best of all, making apple cider. Whatever we harvest determines the fresh produce that we consume during the upcoming chilly months. This is like Matrimony and Holy Orders, which both determine the path your future will follow. In the winter, our creek freezes, frost is on the ground, and it feels as if the world is sleeping, waiting until spring to awaken. Fires with wood cut from our orchard keep us warm during the frigid dark days. Just as we must turn to fire to warm our bones, during the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, we must turn towards God and pray that he heals our bodies.

I know that few people have a way of life similar to mine involving chickens, quail, a bunny, and a dog, along with a vineyard, garden, creek, and orchard. I am very thankful for what I have and appreciate all the blessings I have received. Because I have grown up in this environment, I have the ability to grow in understanding and faith, and for this I am eternally grateful. I know that to whom much is given, much is expected. With my God-given gifts, I hope that I can make the world a better place.