Chrismukkah

A few years back, The O.C.'s adorable Seth Cohen (played by Adam Brody) coined the term "Chrismukkah" to describe his family's fusion of Christmas and Hanukkah. Take a look at the holidays that are about to unfold and perhaps you'll be inspired to fuse your own unique fête. At the very least, you'll know what your classmates are up to!

December 8: Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a Muslim and Druze holiday beginning on the tenth day of the Islamic month, the month of Hajj. The first ten days of the month are a time of religious prayer and recitation. On the tenth day of the holiday, Eid al-Adha begins. It is a time for prayer and sacrificing, but not a time for fasting.

December 22: Hanukkah (lasts 8 days)
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanuka and Chanukah) is the Festival of Lights. It celebrates Jewish victory from Greek religious persecution. The victory, led by the Macabees in the year 167 B.C., was celebrated upon returning to the temple and relighting the Menorah. (This is why you see the nine-branched candlelabrum in many windows around this time.) As legend goes, the Macabees found only one enough oil to light the Menorah for one day, however the oil lasted eight days, hence the eight day celebration. Hanukkah is a joyous festival where small gifts are given to family and friends on each of the eight days.

December 25: Christmas
It was on this day that the Virgin Mary gave birth to her son, Jesus of Nazareth, under the star of Bethlehem. Jesus, the son of God, lived for 33 years and spread the word of the Lord to his many disciples. Today the celebration of his birth has become very commercial. It now includes the legend of Saint Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, and largely centers around gift giving and decorations such as the Christmas tree.

December 26: Kwanzaa (lasts 7 days)
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated all over the world, although primarily in North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. It began in California in 1966 under the scholar-activist Dr. Maulana Karenga with the intention of celebrating seven principles (one per day). With unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith all under observation, Kwanzaa encourages people to learn more about their roots and to focus on their values.

January 7: Eastern Orthodox Christmas
Because the Eastern Orthodox religion follows the Julian calendar, set 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar typically followed in North America, Christmas for them is celebrated in the New Year. Eastern Orthodox followers in North America, are typically Greek, Russian, Macedonian, or Serbian.

However you celebrate, all the best from teenflare to you and yours!

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