Christmas celebrations have changed as Americans have changed, and in the last century, Hanukkah has become attached to Christmas in uniquely American ways. In this FSEM, we’ll explore how various groups of Americans have understood the birth of a Jewish man in Roman Palestine and how the event has become commercialized, adapted, and in many ways more inclusive. We’ll also look at how a relatively small religious minority–Jews–embraced American culture by adapting a non-biblical festival into a winter celebration. As we do so, we’ll consider important questions such as what does it mean to be an American? how do religious festivals adapt and change over time? and how do religious beliefs express themselves in various places? By the end of the semester we’ll be ready for an investigation into how Fredericksburg residents and businesses celebrate winter holidays and what that can tell us about local culture and demographics. Come with your curiosity about Santa, and stay for the milk and cookies!