You might have seen that meme during the holidays: a sign in a restaurant thanking Jewish people for dining on Christmas. It humorously notes that, while they don’t fully understand Jewish dietary laws, they’re grateful for the tradition of Jewish folks choosing Chinese food on that day. But is there any truth to it? Snopes found no evidence the sign exists, yet it highlights a real and beloved tradition among many American Jews.
So, why do Jews, who don’t celebrate Christmas, have a tradition tied to this holiday? Like many minorities, Jews have a history of blending into their surrounding cultures while keeping their identities intact. This has shaped a range of Christmas traditions unique to Jewish communities. My research for the book Beyond Chrismukkah explored this question further.
Long before arriving in the U.S., some Jews celebrated Christmas in a secular way. As historian Jordan Chad mentions in his book, Jewish involvement in Christmas customs can be traced back to the 1300s in Europe. Jewish communities often engaged in festive activities like dancing and feasting on Christmas Eve. Some scholars suggest these customs aimed to avoid religious texts on a Christian holiday but evolved into their own celebratory practices.
By the 20th century, many German Jews were embracing a more secular version of Christmas, including tree decorations and family gatherings. This shows that these celebrations weren’t just about assimilation; they became part of their cultural fabric.
Today, Christmas is such a significant cultural occasion in the U.S. that many non-Christians celebrate it in a relaxed, secular way. According to a Pew Research report, about 8 in 10 Americans celebrate Christmas, often focusing on family gatherings and festivities rather than the religious aspects.
Many Jews celebrate Christmas, especially those in interfaith families. About 50% of American Jewish marriages are now interfaith—leading to different dynamics around holiday celebrations.
For many contemporary Jews, observing a secular Christmas isn’t appealing. Since the 1970s, some rabbis have discouraged Christmas decorations in interfaith families, even while many Jews have Christmas trees at home. Still, with family and friends busy with their own celebrations, many Jewish folks have found their own ways to spend the day.
A prominent tradition is dining at Chinese restaurants. This custom is so widespread that during her Supreme Court confirmation in 2010, Justice Elena Kagan remarked about likely spending Christmas at a Chinese restaurant, which sparked laughter and acknowledgment from many. The earliest mention of Jews dining on Chinese food on Christmas dates back to 1935, when a man brought chow mein to a Jewish orphanage.
The connection between these communities can be traced back to shared neighborhoods. Chinese cuisine often suits Jewish dietary laws better than other options since it rarely includes dairy, making it a popular choice. Although pork is common in many Chinese dishes—which is not kosher—many Jews are flexible about what they eat, especially when out at a restaurant. This understanding led many Chinese restaurants to adapt their menus to cater to Jewish customers, offering dishes with chicken instead of pork.
By the late 20th century, the scene of “Chinese food and a movie” became a staple for Jewish families on Christmas. With most Chinese restaurants open on December 25, they became popular hangouts for Jews looking to celebrate the day in their own way.
Movie theaters have also turned into a common spot for Jewish families. In fact, a 2012 holiday viewing of “Les Misérables” in Atlanta felt like a mini-reunion of the local Jewish community. Many people enjoy this pairing of dim sum and films, either going out or enjoying a cozy night in with takeout.
Some Jewish families now take Christmas as an opportunity to volunteer or support their community. Many Jewish healthcare workers choose to work on Christmas so their Christian colleagues can take the day off. Others spend the day at shelters, food banks, or nursing homes, bringing cheer to those in need.
Living in a culture that largely shuts down on December 25, many Jews find meaningful ways to fill the day—whether that’s over a plate of Kung Pao chicken while watching the latest blockbuster or lending a hand to those in need. These practices have evolved into their own rich tapestry of holiday traditions.
Source: The Conversation – [Link to the original article](https://theconversation.com/merry-jewish-christmas-how-chinese-food-and-the-movies-became-a-time-honored-tradition-for-american-jews-270131)
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Christmas,Food,Holiday Traditions,Holidays,judaism,Lifestyle,Movies
