I was watching the OC. My daughter gave me season 1. (I think that’s Orange County and IMO they should have just called it the Seth show because this character is the only one who can act. But that’s another blog).
Anyway there’s a mom who celebrates Christmas and a dad who’s Jewish so the son, Seth, created Chrismaka (Christmas and Hanukah) to embrace both holidays. Brought the best of both together under one roof. Whereas some of the OC is lame, I love this idea. United the family instead of dividing it.
My question is, have you ever partaken in a celebration of a culture or religion of which you are not affiliated? I’ve gone to Episcopal weddings, Jewish wedding, even a Greek Orthodox wedding. Loved ‘em all. IMO this is like eating at an Italian or Mexican or Chinese restaurant. You don’t have to be Italian or Mexican or Chinese to enjoy the experience and it enriches your life. You experience something new.
So, fellow bloggers, what celebrations out of your normal sphere have your attended? What did you enjoy most? I love the Greek wedding food and you should see me dance the hora.
I’ll give away a copy of Star Quality from the answers.
Have a good Sunday.
Hugs,
Dianne Castell
DianneCastell.com
Vamps and Scamps 
I think I am boring. I haven’t gone to many celebrations outside my faith. My brother got married in a Wesleyn service much shorter then being a Catholic that I am used to. LOL It was a nice service but felt so short to me.
The most diff wedding for me was an outdoor wedding I went to over the summer. It had to be the prettiest and most heartfelt wedding I had been to in ages. Nice day into night, lovely setting and wonderful couple.
Aa a Catholic who converted to Judaism when my husband and I decided to have children, I am used to blending CHristmas and CHanukah. Our wedding had a priest, a rabbi and a minister (friend of my husband). A Buddhist classmate from law school gave a blessing.
We’ve accommodated Catholic relatives at a bris, a naming and a Bar and Bat Mitzvah (Mom made pies with Crisco instead of lard!).
We just do Chanukah in our house, but the kids always took their Christmas ornaments made in school to my folks where my dad had a little Christmas tree just for them. We called it the Chanukah bush.
I have to say one of the prettiest pictures I have is my parents’ Christmas tree (it was always real) all lit up, the manger displayed on a table next to the tree, and a fully lit menorah next to the 3 Wise Men. I told the kids we were celebrating the birthday of a very important person to my parents…they loved it!
We do blue and white lights outside….the Festival of Lights. We just don’t string them on the pine trees, we use the other trees in the yard.
But I agree…best food ever was a Greek wedding!
Judy…don’t feel bad, I must be boring too. I have actually never attended a service that far out of my norm either. I really searched my memory and I honestly came up with nothing. Sad, I know.
Dianne~I have to agree that Seth made the OC! We do own all the seasons as my older daughters loved and now the youngest daughter has been watching them. I did love Seth.
Hi, Judy. I love outdoor weddings. My daughter had one this spring, unfortunately it was chilly but the spring flowers made a lovely setting.
Deborah, you have a wonderfully blended family and made it work so well. I’m inpressed. And you kids will be the same way. Well done!
Hi, Lori. Yeah the OC is fun. I watch Weeds with my kids and it’s so angry. OC is more fun and the adult characters are good. Easy watching.
Dianne
I’m with Judy and Lori T. with not going outside the norm. The only think outside of my own religion was a funeral at a Catholic church.
Hi, Jodi. I enjoy movies that take me to other religions or cultures. I loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding for that. Some romance books bring out the different cultures too. Harlequin Romance. And I think it’s a big reason we read historicals. Gives us something new.
Dianne
Hi Dianne, I’m boring also. We went to a Catholic wedding many many years ago and I couldn’t even tell you what the difference was. I remember when I was in 6th grade I had a friend who was Jewish and she told me they didn’t celebrate Christmas. I did give her a friendship gift wrapped in plain paper and she gave me the same. I often wondered if her parents knew she had given and received a gift.
went to only one my cousin, it was very fast, but veyry nice
Hi, Lisa. I think Hanukah has Hanukah presents. In fact I think they get them for seven days. I can’t imagine how exchanging friendship gifts could be anything but nice. 🙂
I had a Jewish editor for a while and sent her cards etc. She had relatives in Israel. Very interesting person. I loved talking to her.
Hi, KH. some weddings are really quick. Whatever works for the bride and groom. 🙂
Hugs, Dianne
I feel so un-cultured. I really haven’t been to anything like those named. I would imagine that Italians and Greeks have some nice traditions though, along with really good food.
Deidre
I’m really out of place or maybe not b/c I haven’t been to any either.
I think I get stuck on the food aspect. The traditions are great but lets eat!
Love Turkish food. There’s this wonderful little place in Columbus Ohio that has the best.
I love eating stuff that I have no idea how to make.
I’m getting hungry.
BTW…anyone on this blog who wants a copy of Star Quality, email me with your address and I’ll send you a book. 🙂
DianneCastell@hotmail.com
You’re so sweet to offer SQ to everybody. I’ve got two copies already but thank you for the offer. It’s been so long since I’ve read it I think I need to pull it out for a reread!
Wow Dianne~
How wonderfully generous of you! That is so great. Thank you so much!!
how coool thanks diannne. great xmas present
You’re welcome. 🙂
Lisa, hope you enjoy the second time around.
Hugs, Dianne
I’ve been to only Christian and Jewish weddings so far. A traditional Greek wedding sounds like so much fun!
I’ve been to many different church services. I was always curious about beliefs other than my own, so I tagged along with friends many times growing up.
Thanks for offering Star Quality, Dianne! That is so generous! Happy Holidays!