Over the past few decades, it has become very commonplace to see mixed marriages of a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as dealing with friends and neighbors in the same situation.

The big concern in interfaith marriages is how it will affect the children.  Many of these families are taking good advice from their priests, ministers, rabbis, and the like.   By raising the child in one religion and teaching them about the second, not only is the child getting a solid foundation of the religion and good family values, they are also learning the importance of respecting other religions and what they stand for.  Respecting other people’s religions and backgrounds applies to dealing with friends and families alike.   

During the holidays, for example, some families decorate one part of the house for Christmas, and pick another part of the house to decorate for Hannukah.  Others have found they are able to blend a bit of both.  If it becomes a major concern, some suggest it might be easier to keep the Christmas decorating more on the generic side by using festive décor of lights, wreaths, snowmen, or snowflakes.  It should also be stressed that presents are not the main feature of this holy season in any religion; but more emphasis should be put on the “giving of themselves”.  More mixed holiday parties, whether at home or work, should center on the importance of everyone gathering to share quality time, enjoy the spirit, and then take that spirit and spread it to all they meet.  There should be no mention of gifts, and that way no one is offended.