Families celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah because the holidays fall on the same day

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The start of Hanukkah will take place on Christmas Day this year for the first time since 2005.

The holiday season has always been an exciting time for Osi and Chris Zimmer, but this year it’s extra special.

The couple married 24 years ago and Chris converted to Osi’s religion of Judaism a few years later, but she didn’t want to give up her family’s holiday traditions.

“I swear for the first few years of our marriage we confused the neighbors because when we drove by you would see a menorah in the window and there would be a beautiful Christmas tree right behind the menorah,” Chris said.

This Christmas they traveled to Chris’ family in Cincinnati as usual, but as the Christmas festivities come to an end, it’s time to focus on Hanukkah.

“People in my family always love coming over and watching our tradition and joining in too, so I think that’s what we’re absolutely looking forward to tonight,” Chris said.

The start of Hanukkah can be between late November and late December as the Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle.

Joanne Trees traveled from Lewis Center to celebrate both holidays with her family in Cleveland. Since one of her three sisters converted to Judaism, they also celebrate Hanukkah.

She remembered the last time the holidays fell on the same day.

“The children were small, it was like 19 years ago, I think they were extremely small and running around like crazy,” she said.

“We got to do it when the kids were little, and now we get to do it when they’re grown up this time,” said Joanne’s brother-in-law Irv Hirsch.

Although the holidays are different, some of the values ​​are the same in each.

“The family coming together and celebrating each other’s company is part of the deal. And food! There always has to be food!” said Joanne’s family.

The next time Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day is 2035.