A little noel, a little nosh, and you've landed on the next best holiday to "Festivus" (an amorphous holiday from the Seinfeld TV show) Chrismukkah! A blend of both Christmas and Hanukkah, this holiday that was once celebrated mostly by families joined in interfaith marriages is now a popular occasion to get together with friends during the holiday season. Celebrate the Holidays!

Chrismukkah Celebration Tips

Some may raise an eyebrow at the union of these holidays into one big party, as there are fundamental differences, even contrasting beliefs between the faiths. But at the core of each religion, especially around the winter holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah, is a celebratory spirit that can be combined with a mutual respect and nod to each occasion's traditions, lore, and decor.

Consider these tips to give guests an enriching experience at the celebration:

• While many friends may know the origins and highlights of each holiday, there will be some guests that will only know the experiences of their childhood traditions.
• A stack of index card size summaries for each holiday may not be a bad idea to help all feel "in the know" about each other's cultural and religious history such as the following descriptions.
• Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although there is no mention of the actual birthday in the bible, it is widely believed that Pope Julius I designated December 25 as the Feast of the Nativity. Many believe the Christmas tree to be a symbol of life and the star topping most trees iconic of the star that led the magi (3 wise men) to baby Jesus in the manger where he was born. Of course, Santa Claus is a huge part of Christmas and his act of giving presents can be a message of charity to all. Stockings are hung by the chimney with care to be filled with trinkets from Santa and cookies and milk are left as a treat for the big guy in red to enjoy!
• Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish spirit of survival and how the Maccabees battled to reclaim their Holy Temple in 2nd century BC from oppressors in Israel. This eight-day long holiday, known as the "festival of lights," is symbolized by lighting a menorah (a nine-branched candelabra) each night to commemorate the miracle that the one day's worth of lamp-oil left behind in the Holy Temple lasted for eight days. In addition to lighting the menorah, celebrants exchange gifts, sing, play dreidl (a spinning-top game), and eat latkes (potato pancakes) and other fried foods as a reminder of the miracle of the oil.
• Although Chrismukkah brings together significant holidays from two different faiths, the tone is light-hearted. Should a guest express discomfort about the notion of merging religious ideas, remind them of Seinfeld's "Festivus" and the spirit of coming together in celebration.

Chrismukkah Decorations

Sure, you could throw a couple of Hanukkah dreidels on the table along with some Christmas ornaments and call it a Chrismukkah centerpiece, but why not find the commonalities between the two holidays and bring them together in style.

The Stars of the Tabletop

Stars are a shared symbol of both holidays that can come together on a tabletop into a stunning display.

• Look for silver Stars of David to accent the table or items with the star such as serving platters or candlesticks.
• The star topping the Christmas tree is usually a 5-point star. Complementary silver stars with the 5 points that fit the style of your Star of David items should work well in creating a cohesive design.

Holiday Colors

Blue and white are the main colors of Hanukkah, red and green scream Christmas, and silver works with both holidays! A combo of all these colors might look like a crayon box, but a few select shades from each holiday's color palette could be fabulous.

• Think blue, green, and silver! Bring in the silver with serving ware and the stars.
• Look for blue and green glass, and choose one to feature for your barware, plates, even glass votive candleholders.
• Create blue and green fabric layers on the table such as an azure blue tablecloth with a gossamer celadon green overlay or runner.
• Purchase a couple of styles of white cocktail napkins, with one style featuring Christmas and the other a Hanukkah theme.

Menorah and The Christmas Tree
You can give each of these classic holiday decorations their own place, or create a display incorporating both ideas.

• Set up the menorah on a fireplace mantle or a similar surface.
• Place the Christmas tree in a corner or by a window.
• Or consider a menorah flanked with two miniature Christmas trees, such as a blue, white, or silver tinsel tree, on a mantle or as a party table centerpiece.

Chrismukkah Party Food

Fried food on Hanukkah, especially potato pancakes and sufganiyots (jelly doughnuts), are traditional fare on every holiday table. Christmas menus seem to vary depending on heirloom family recipes and the spread that's been on the table for years.

Chrismukkah Games and Activities

Hanukkah activities are ideal for a party. Combine Jewish holiday games with a few Christmas carols and you've got the makings of an entertaining Chrismukkah get together.

• Request that guests who celebrate Hanukkah bring dreidels for all to play this classic spinning top game.
• Consider searching for both Hanukkah gelt and candy canes.
• Have the kids decorate a matzoh bread house in the style of a gingerbread house as suggested on Chrismukkah.com.
• Go out caroling in the neighborhood and sing a combination of both Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs.
• And of course, swap presents!

Source: http://www.celebrations.com