Mark and Lynn Persky Mark and Lynn are perfect examples on how a religion should be celebrated; with simplicity, love of your faith and of family. (Photo Jackie Rybeck)

Mark was brought up in a Jewish home in the 50s and 60s with his Mom, Dad and Bubby, (his maternal grandmother.) They lived in Hartford, Conn. in a neighborhood of mixed, ethnic groups. He attended synagogue and Hebrew school. His dad, an iron worker, instilled acceptance of others in his only son. If Mark's dad met someone from a different culture, he would immediately invite them into their home. Mark says, "Difference was not something to be ashamed of, it was something to celebrate."

His mother's three sisters all married Christians. Bubby, being the matriarch of the family, opened her arms and heart to these new members of the family. "It was quite remarkable to hear the story," Lynn said. It was at a time when marrying out of your own faith was not accepted by many.

Growing up, Mark was exposed to both Hanukkah and Christmas. He would receive presents during Hanukkah, as well as light the menorah and say the blessing in Hebrew. On Christmas Eve he would travel to one aunt's home for gift giving, and on Christmas morning, (besides Mark's own Christmas gifts and stocking) went to another aunt's for an exchanging of presents. "I even professionally represented Santa full-time at a local store!" Mark adds. "I knew that I was Jewish, I knew my cousins were Protestant and Catholic; I did realize it was a different religion and that both religions were important, but there was never a wall."

The Christmas celebration that Mark experienced was that of Santa, the tree and family, where his Hanukkah was that of faith and family. Mark's connection between the two was the one thing they both had in common: family.

Lynn Persky, on the other hand, was brought up in Brooklyn, N.Y., in a Jewish-only neighborhood. She had no exposure whatsoever to other religions. "My world was 100 percent Jewish." The Hanukkah of her world was that of simplicity, faith and family. "I played the Dreidel game with raisins." she said. "Hanukkah was not commercialized; gifts were either books for learning or money towards education," she adds.

Now married, the couple does what they can to coordinate some of their traditions. "Although I do not celebrate Christmas, I have no right to interfere with Mark's traditions... honoring Christmas and family is such a joy to him." says Lynn.

There will be a small pine tree with lights next to their door in honor of the holidays, and their menorah will be lit in the window representing the faith in their hearts. Mark and Lynn are perfect examples on how a religion should be celebrated; with simplicity, love of your faith and of family.