What is Chrismukkah? (And Why It’s More Than a TV Joke)

“What is Chrismukkah?” you ask, somewhere between Googling latke recipes and stringing Christmas lights. The short answer? Chrismukkah is the festive fusion of Christmas and Hanukkah, celebrated by interfaith families and anyone who embraces both holidays at once.

The idea of Chrismukkah entered pop culture through the TV show The O.C., where Seth Cohen (patron saint of witty, conflicted teens) announced it as his family’s tradition. What started as a tongue-in-cheek plotline resonated with thousands of families who were already blending traditions but didn’t have a name for it.

In real life, Chrismukkah isn’t a formal holiday with centuries of rituals. It’s more of a cultural mashup — menorahs alongside Christmas trees, dreidels under twinkling lights, latkes next to sugar cookies. It’s about creating space for both faiths, both families, and both sets of grandparents to feel at home.

Of course, Chrismukkah has also inspired its own cottage industry of gifts and traditions. From Chrismukkah cookbooks to quirky accessories like the Yamaclaus hat, the holiday has become a playful and meaningful way for interfaith families to say: we don’t have to choose.

And that’s the magic of it. Chrismukkah is more than just a mashup — it’s a reflection of modern families, inclusivity, and joy. Whether you’re lighting candles, opening presents, or just trying to survive the in-law dinners, Chrismukkah is proof that two holidays can truly be better than one.