Welcome to Day 14 of the Virtual Advent Tour. It's a pleasure to be part of the tour and also introduce you to my new blog.
The holidays here on Kauai, where I live, have a tropical theme and always include family gatherings and beach time on Christmas Day.
As the title of my post suggests, not only do we celebrate Christmas at our home but also Hanukkah. This year the first night was December 11. We attended Shabbat, watched the children light candles, then feasted on latkes and jam filled donuts (sufganiyot). Here's a 90 second video that my partner took at the event using his iPhone.
My family came to Kauai in the 1800's as missionaries. Celebrating Christmas has always been my tradition and an 8 foot tree goes up each year in our Great Room. The ornaments honor both faiths and include dreidels, shells and souvenirs from our trips (including favorite bookmarks).
One fun ornament we make is using an empty can of Spam. It's a creative way to add a touch of Hawaii to your tree.
I always enjoy reading Christmas themed books. This year I've added on my list, "The Man Who Invented Christmas," by Les Standiford. I hope you'll check back later for my review.
Whatever tradition you celebrate, I wish you and your family Aloha and peace.
If you'd like to read other Day 14 posts, here are the book sites joining me today: Jenn's Bookshelves, Cam's epiBloguer, Meryl's My Bit of Earth and Kerry's So Many Books, So Little Time.
I think it is so cool that your family can clearly encompass two faiths with ease at this time of year. The video was gorgeous. I've been watching someone's tweets about Hanukkah and so seeing some of the things she has mentioned "on film" as it were, was great.
ReplyDeleteAnd on a practical rather than spiritual level - is that aliminium foil under the candles protecting the table? That is such a brilliant idea. I've never needed to light lots of candles, but if I do, I hope I remember that.
Thank you so much for sharing.
My brother's wife is Jewish, so they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas too. And I love the way you decorate your tree. Very unique and special.
ReplyDeleteOh! I love your little SPAM ornament! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that little snippet into your family celebrations. I love the title of your post. Great contribution to the Virtual Advent Tour!
ReplyDeleteI love how your holidays combine so many disparate things into what seems like a unique, wonderful celebration.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that you can combine traditions (and in Hawaii nonetheless -- I profess myself just slightly jealous.) Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful! I love combining traditions like that :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place to live! You must rejoice every day!
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful candle-lighting in the footage you shared with us. I was the nanny for a blended family of Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations - I always enjoyed being there for all the special ceremonies.
ReplyDeleteJoy of the season to you!
Thanks for all of the nice comments! My SPAM ornament idea came from Kauai's Festival of Lights. Each year they decorate trees with ornaments made from recycled items.
ReplyDeleteHaving both traditions in my life is a true mitzvah (blessing).
Kerry: You're right that we used aluminum foil under the candles.
Aloha from Rob
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your very unique holiday celebrations with us all!
ReplyDeleteDreidel Bell Rock is an awesome mashup. It could almost be the Chrismukkah theme song!
ReplyDelete