December is a month for holiday celebrations all over the world, a joyful time that millions of people look forward to every year. Between spending time with family, delicious meals, exchanging of gifts, decorations, or however else you may choose to celebrate the holidays, it is sure to be a cheerful affair. The two main holidays in the upcoming weeks that many plan on celebrating are Christmas and Hanukkah. These two holidays are observed internationally, and modern practices for both share similarities and differences.

   Christmas is a holiday celebrated among Christians and many non-religious people. According to a religious news website, Christmas is an annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church (crosswalk.com). Christmas is often regarded as a magical time of year: it’s a time for holiday movies and hot cocoa, for decorating the whole house and marveling at its beauty, and the naughty little elf on the shelf, and for family and traditions that have been going on for generations.

   Hanukkah, on the other hand, is celebrated by Jewish people. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. According to a Jewish News website, the holiday “commemorates the victory of the Maccabees [a group of Jewish people in 100 BCE] over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp” (myjewishlearning.com). Hanukkah lasts eight nights in order to recognize the incredible miracle of the candlelight burning in the temple for eight entire days as opposed to just one night. 

  The two holidays are celebrated for completely different reasons, “Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The story that Hanukkah commemorates took place more than a century before when the Jews revolted against the Greek King Antiochus” (myjewishlearning.com). Christmas is to celebrate the birth of their Lord as opposed to Hanukkah, which celebrates the miracle of the oil burning for eight days rather than just one.

   Not only are the two celebrated for different reasons, but they are also celebrated in numerous contrasting ways. Christmas is incredibly popular in America as it is observed by both religious and nonreligious people. The streets glow of green and red lights whilst a blow-up Santa chills with his reindeer. The stores are bustling full of people searching for gifts to put under the tree  until the kids come running out Christmas morning, ecstatic because there are so many presents. Junior Melia Hickey recounts her favorite part of Christmas is the chance to spend genuine time with her family.

   Although it is now practiced in a very secular way, Christmas is a religious holiday. According to the History Channel, for many people who are not especially religious, Christmas is the only day they may attend church throughout the year. This is different for those who observe Hanukkah. Hanukkah is not one of the most religious holidays on the Jewish calendar. Going to the temple is not even suggested for this holiday, although there are prayers that the Jews chant or sing when lighting the candles on the Menorah (history.com). While both are meant to be religious holidays, they vary in importance with regards to how and when people express their faith. 

   Another difference between the two holidays is the decorations. Christmas is often celebrated by adorning homes with elaborate decorations, with exterior light displays and decorated trees, with tinsel and ornaments. Hanukkah is often decorated on a smaller scale. Most observers decorate by lighting the Menorah and placing it in the window, on display for everyone to see. 

   A significant similarity between the two holidays is enjoying food with the family. Whether it be the Christmas ham or potato latkes, reindeer cookies or jelly-filled donuts,  candy canes or gelt, both holidays are celebrated with delicious foods. The holiday season is purely cheerful, and these classic comfort foods are just part of what makes these holidays so wonderful. 

   Though very different in many aspects, both Christmas and Hanukkah are two of the delightful holidays that make this season the most wonderful time of the year. Whichever holiday you celebrate, simply remember to enjoy yourself, spend time with family, and most importantly, spread holiday cheer throughout the season!