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:
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Are Hanukkah and Christmas really equivalent in importance?
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How do historic moments of assimilation (like Saturnalia's influence on Christmas and Hanukkah) shape these holidays today?
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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 the most inappropriate thing a grandparent's ever said about an interfaith relationship!
With thoughtful insight and plenty of laughter, Ari and Anna remind listeners there is no single "right" way to honor multiple faiths under one roof—and that the real magic comes from finding belonging, adaptation, and joy, no matter how you celebrate.
Key Discussion Points:
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Handling family holidays, from multi-generational gatherings to pet reunions (and dog personalities!).
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The history and importance of Hanukkah vs. Christmas, especially for interfaith families.
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How both major holidays borrow and adapt from dominant cultures—and why that matters now.
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Parenting, tradition, and finding meaningful, kid-friendly ways to celebrate both faiths.
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Insights into building interfaith community beyond the home, with new online meetups and opportunities for connection.
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The role of humor, grace, and curiosity in navigating awkward family moments and insensitive comments.
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Looking ahead: expanding the conversation to include Muslim, Hindu, and other faith communities in interfaith family discussion.
Links & Resources:
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Patreon Community: Don't miss our very first Patreon Zoom meetups next week—Tuesday, Dec 9 at 8:15pm ET/5:15pm PT and Wednesday, Dec 10 at 1:30pm ET/10:30am PT! Join our Interfaithing community at patreon.com/interfaithing for connection, conversation, and support for your interfaith journey.
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Contact Us: Have questions, prompts, or stories to share? Email: interfaithingpodmail.com
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Previous Seasons: Check out last year's episodes for deeper dives into Thanksgiving, holiday history, and more.
Next Steps & Calls to Action:
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Don't miss our upcoming Zoom meetups! (Dec 9th, 8:15pm ET; Dec 10th, 1:30pm ET)
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Have a funny, awkward, or meaningful interfaith prompt for the speed-friending sessions? Send it in!
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If you have personal experience or expertise in Muslim assimilation or interfaith families outside Judaism/Christianity, reach out—we want to feature your perspective.
Takeaway Quote:
"Every permutation of family has something special…Your faith traditions can really help unite the family, no matter what your family looks like."
Stay Connected:
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Subscribe, review, and share Interfaithing wherever you listen to podcasts!
- Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!!
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Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content!!
- Stay curious. Stay connected. Keep interfaithing!
Credits:
Produced by: Ari and Anna
