Nick Painter is one of the select group of Lipscomb University students who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.
The junior information technology major said the two traditions became a part of his family’s celebration because an aunt and her family are Jewish. Painter said he grew up learning both the significance of the Jewish holiday and enjoying the perks of having two celebrations.
As a young child, he enjoyed lighting the candles, playing the dreidel game, receiving an increased amount of gifts, and learning the history behind the holiday.
“Today Hanukkah still serves as a reminder to me of the importance of the Old Testament and the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith,” Painter said. “Perhaps more importantly, it has shown me that it is important to keep an open mind and to always be willing to learn about other cultures so that you can understand their perspective on life.”