Sometimes when two families blend, there are two different religions that come into play. Many times, the families can work out the differences and work around the different holiday’s that come into play. But then there are the times when a family is having a difficult time figuring out how to celebrate a holiday.
The very first thing I will tell you, is that exposing your children to different religions is not a bad thing. It is important for children to learn diversity, and there is certainly nothing wrong with learning and experiencing a holiday they might not have otherwise. So please consider sharing all holiday’s with your children, in or out of a blended family.
But what happens when it’s two different families, two different religions, and two different stubborn people who have a difficult time letting go of their own wants and desires? Then it is time for a compromise. Again, I will repeat, there is nothing wrong with children celebrating more than one holiday.
For instance, Hanukkah is one religion that lasts 8 days, and traditionally there is a gift given each day. And then of course, there is Christmas where the children receive several gifts on the same day. This can add up to a lot of expense if you aren’t careful. So here is what I suggest. For the family that doesn’t traditionally celebrate Hanukkah, consider giving 8 very small gifts – a key chain, package of stickers, etc. Much the same way you might do an Advent calendar. In addition, for the child that doesn’t normally celebrate Christmas, perhaps you could do something smaller, so they can still enjoy the time
These two holiday’s are NOT about the gifts, and it is important to remember that. Spending more time focusing on the holiday, traditions and teaching what the day is about, would far outweigh the benefits of worrying about expense and other things. Also, you might consider introducing other holiday’s the family might not celebrate, simply to remind the children that it is okay to have different religions.
Almost everything in a blended family is a compromise, please remember that this holiday season.