I’m gonna be honest: sometimes, the Christmas season is notorious for being a bummer among the Jewish community, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s not forget that the only reason we even get gifts for Hanukkah is because it falls around the same time as Christmas, and there are a lot of other perks as well!
1. Chinese Food
This one may seem like a cliché, but it’s probably the most accurate. Christmas is perhaps a Chinese restaurant’s busiest day of the year, and they have us to thank for that. Bonus points for running into your entire synagogue there!
Photo courtesy of Blogspot.
2. Going to the Movies
While many non-Jews have slowly been catching up on the movie-outing trend, it’s still good fun for all the mensch’s out there. Bonus, since this activity has only been growing in popularity, there have been exciting new films coming out on Christmas every year.
GIF courtesy of Tenor.
3. The Lights
One of my favorite things about Christmas is enjoying all of the perks without having to endure all of the hard work that people put into the holiday, and the the festive lights are probably the biggest example of that. I personally love driving through my neighborhood every year and fawning over all of the spectacular decorations. The best part? My family feels absolutely no pressure to participate ourselves.
GIF courtesy of Pinterest.
4. Sales
Another perk we get to indulge in? All of the sales! In many households, Hanukkah isn’t a holiday encouraged to break the bank, so not only will this cover all of your gifts, be surely some personal treats as well.
GIF courtesy of Giphy.
5. Spending Time With Family and Jewish Friends
Just about everything in town is closed, and just about everyone you know is celebrating the holiday. What better time to bond with your own family, or your Jewish friends? None of us have anywhere else to be. Although family time is highly promoted as a Christmas activity, who’s to say the Jews can’t enjoy it as well?
GIF courtesy of GifImage.
6. Chrismukkah
Lastly, I’d like to throw in perhaps my favorite part about the holiday season, mixing both cultures together! Whether you grew up in a double religion household, or you want to throw a mixed holiday party with some friends, Chrismukkah gets everyone into the holiday spirit.
GIF courtesy of Teen Vogue.