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Although there is no one way that is best to approach holidays in an interfaith marriage, if you work together to meet one another's needs and to create meaningful celebrations, the holiday season can be a time of closeness and joy.

 

Interfaith Marriage Holiday Solution 1 - The Two-Religion Approach:

• The two-religion approach celebrates the holidays of both faiths. If you choose this solution to the holiday dilemma make sure that you and your children have a full understanding of the religious symbols and customs of both religions. Some families decorate one part or room of the house in one faith tradition, and other part of the house or room in the other faith tradition.

 

Interfaith Marriage Holiday Solution 2 - The Secular Approach:

• A solution for some couples is to not celebrate religious traditions during the holidays, but to focus more on the cultural aspects of their own heritages. They see this secular approach as being more fair to one another and to their families.

 

Interfaith Marriage Holiday Solution 3 - The Multicultural Approach:

• Incorporating many cultural and regional traditions into your family's holiday celebrations is another way some couples create a meaningful holiday.

 

Interfaith Marriage Holiday Solution 4 - The Natural Approach:

• Involving nature in your celebrations is a way of blending your traditions. Some couples light candles on a beach, or have a special prayer rock by a stream, or they find or create a special place for quiet time or prayer.

 

Interfaith Marriage Holiday Solution 5 - The One Religion Approach:

• Although generally not recommended, some couples choose one religion to celebrate, and they celebrate it fully. This approach can be emotionally difficult for one spouse. If you choose this solution, make sure that your mate doesn't feel slighted or resentful.

 

Evaluate Your Interfaith Holiday Plans:

It is essential that together, the two of you evaluate your interfaith holiday solutions. Be open to evaluating your holiday celebrations. If something didn't work out the way you two wanted, you can try something different next year.

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