For a lot of us, the autumn into winter holiday season is a time to share with our children the traditions we enjoyed when we were young. It is also a time to start new traditions with our own families. No one understands that better than parents of interfaith and/or intercultural households. Blending the traditions from different ethnicities and religions can be tricky to navigate, especially if the family network who typically supports that does not live nearby.
The Rochester Mom Collective wanted to highlight some of these trail-blazing families from our community. Maybe you will see your own family in some of these stories. It might be nice to be reminded that you are not the only family trying to make the magic of multiple holidays happen at once. Maybe they will give you some fresh ideas for your own celebratory customs.
Our first interview comes from Stacy, a supermom of two elementary school-aged children in Webster. Stacy and her family are Jewish while her husband, David, was raised in a conservative Christian household. I want to sincerely thank Stacy for being willing to share with us a glimpse into her family’s holiday celebrations.
Question: What winter holiday or holidays did your family celebrate when you were a child?
Answer: We celebrated Rush Hashanah, Yum Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover.
Question: What were some of your favorite traditions associated with that holiday or those holidays when you were a child?
Answer: I just loved spending time with family. We liked reading the Haggadah and answering the four questions for children. I liked lighting candles. My parents didn’t want us to feel left out during Christmas Holiday so they would have Santa drop off presents at friends/neighbors houses and put them under there trees for us to unwrap.
Question: What winter holiday or holidays does your family celebrate now?
Answer: We celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Passover, and Easter.
Question: Which holiday traditions do you still practice with your children now as a mother?
Answer: Since the pandemic we haven’t had a chance to celebrate Passover. However, I look forward to celebrating with them in the future. We light Hanukkah candles.
Question: What new traditions do you participate in with your children now?
Answer: We have our own Christmas tree and my kids believe Santa brings them presents.
Question: Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for other mothers as they navigate this holiday season?
Answer: Do what works for your family and beliefs. Teach your kids about as many holidays/cultures as possible and how they can learn, enjoy, love and support other beliefs.
Very well said, Stacy. What a great reminder for all of us. Happy Holidays!
