About this episode

Ari and Anna explore how interfaith families can celebrate the holiday season amidst differing traditions and values.

Episode Summary: In this vibrant and heartfelt episode, hosts Ari and Anna dive deep into how families with interfaith dynamics can navigate and celebrate the holiday season—especially when traditions and values sometimes seem to clash or compete. Starting with lighthearted Thanksgiving recaps (including a family reunion for Anna 's dog, Armadillo, aka "Dillo"), they find the humor and warmth in shared stories, even when they involve playful misnaming ("Guacamole"!). The conversation soon shifts to the holiday season's unique challenges for interfaith families, focusing on the Christmas-Hanukkah conundrum. They discuss questions like: Are Hanukkah and Christmas really equivalent in importance? How do historic moments of assimilation (like Saturnalia's influence on Christmas and Hanukkah) shape these holidays today? Why do both holidays, despite their different religious weight, end up serving as major unifying moments for families? The hosts also preview their exciting new "Interfaithing Patreon Community" Zoom meetups, designed as safe, supportive spaces where families can connect, share, and "speed friend" with others walking a similar path. There's even a playful debate about…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ari Saks, Anna DeWeese

Topics covered

• interfaith families
• holiday celebrations
• Christmas-Hanukkah
• family dynamics
• community support
• tradition and values

Keywords

• interfaithing
• holiday season
• family reunion
• community
• traditions
• celebration
• belonging

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