Why Hanukkah Is Not Jewish Christmas

Religions in general do not make holiday-equivalents, and with Christmas being much later than any Jewish holiday, it doesn't make sense to think of anything, in this case Hanukkah, as Jewish Christmas. That said, its proximity and fanfare around the December-holiday season makes people think there may be some relationship. Much of the excitement, decorations and overall perception of the significance of Hanukkah has led lots of new and Christmas-influenced traditions to spring up, like funny sweaters, Hanukkah gift giving, and novelty wrapping paper.

Indeed, Hanukkah has a rich history to read about from its inception as a Maccabean Jewish revolt until today, and it is unique among Jewish holidays in the way it has picked up new customs. There are many reasons, but it may come down to having the least scriptural sources compared to others like Pesach or even Purim. This means many new traditions and folk-lore of sorts can more easily pop up, from Christmas influence or otherwise. 

Some ungroundedness has allowed traditions to gain a strong foothold, especially now-ubiquitous material icons like dreidels and chocolate coins. You won’t actually find those mentioned in one of the original texts!

The confusion about Jewish Christmas also comes about because of how Jews have taken on new Christmas traditions. While no custom Jews have picked up for this time of year is a " Jewish Christmas tradition", so to speak, the holiday’s historic and modern popularity has made ripples in some communities in the diaspora. 

Historically, this was a day of danger for the Jews. Christmas was a time of vandalism and violence, which often disproportionately targeted Jews, developing into full-scale pogroms. 

The Chabad community in particular commemorates these atrocities by avoiding the joyous elements of learning Torah, and take some time to exercise their minds instead with rounds of chess. Though thankfully no longer motivated by fear and sorrow, the movement’s headquarters in Brooklyn hosts a somewhat informal tournament that goes late into the night!

While many Christian families in the States would stay at home, Jews took advantage of the day off to see otherwise-empty showings, flocking to movie theaters. Nowadays, fewer businesses close but many Jewish people have kept up this modern tradition for many people who have the day off work. 

Chinese food has long been known as a favorite of Jews on Christmas night. As another large, non-Christian immigrant group in the USA, Chinese restaurants were some of the few establishments that didn’t close for dinner. Kosher Chinese restaurants often find themselves completely booked up well in advance now, making Chinese food a quasi Jewish food tradition!  

Plenty of Jews will find themselves in Christmas-oriented environments, whether it’s with classmates, coworkers, neighbors, or close friends celebrating their holiday. Jews are proud to have their own, distinct holiday but nowadays each culture has rubbed off on the other. 

Some individual Jews have come to embrace aspects of Christmas culture into the Jewish holiday around that same time. While Hanukkah gift-giving developed naturally, many of the items that now fill party store shelves have come to resemble Christmas paraphernalia. Things like themed string-lights, funny sweaters, and lawn decoration now permeate. 

On the other hand, individual Jews in the modern era have contributed to the way others celebrate Christmas, particularly with immigration to the United States. Irving Berlin, a Russian-born Jew, wrote White Christmas for example, and he is far from the only singer, director or other star who’s contributed to some definitive Christmas entertainment. It is undeniable that the cultural contact has led modern Christmas celebration to have Jewish influence, though not in a religious sense. 

Especially in North America the contact between Jewish and Christian communities throughout history until today has left both with an indelible trace from the other. Hanukkah is not Jewish Christmas, but Jews have left a certain mark on Christmas cheer. In many ways the Christmas behemoth has been impacted by Jews, but this does not make it the Christian Hanukkah either. 

If you work in an office with someone who will be celebrating Hanukkah there are plenty of traditional gift options, big and small. Jewish Christmas gifts, so to speak, shows a recognition of Jewish culture at a time of year often dominated by another culture’s holiday. Some classic gifts around the holiday would be menorah (Hanukkah candelabra), educational tools, jewelry or other small items. 

The two different holidays might both be know for gift giving, and as unrelated as the two are, that comparison rings true. Whatever you get, pick it to your friend’s unique tastes.  

If you’re feeling inspired by the one-of-a-kind beauty of Hanukkah, take a look at some of the Hanukkah items in stock to decorate for your home Hanukkah party, or as a gift for someone else.