Religion

The fun — and confusion — of celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah on the same date

7:00am December 23, 2024

Christmas and Hanukkah rarely fall on the same date, but this year they do. One mixed-faith family in Oakland, Calif., doubles down for double whammy holiday.

Two festive latkes sit next to a mini-tropical umbrella

At Latkepalooza, a friendly competition precedes Hanukkah

7:00am December 23, 2024

by Abe Levine

Hanukkah officially begins on December 25 at nightfall. But Jewish families are already getting together to celebrate.

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Interfaith families find meaning in "Chrismukkah"

4:52am December 23, 2024

This year the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day. Here's how some interfaith families are preparing to celebrate both holidays.

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Religion

During jubilee year, pope will ask Catholics to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation

4:12am December 23, 2024

A jubilee year is usually observed every quarter-century. A time when the Catholic Church focuses on forgiveness, and hosts ceremonies for the faithful.

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For Pagans, winter solstice is a time for reflection and celebration

5:47pm December 20, 2024

In the darkness of winter solstice, pagans celebrate Yule — welcoming longer days to come.

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Religion

Brief encounter with skull of St. Thomas Aquinas goes from macabre to meaningful

5:21pm December 18, 2024

by Sarah Handel

Carol Zimmerman, news editor at the National Catholic Reporter, went to see the purported skull of St. Thomas Aquinas. She tells NPR's Ailsa Chang about its importance to Catholics and her experience.

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Churches are making room for grief and loss at Christmas

5:00am December 18, 2024

by Jason DeRose

More and more congregations are trying to be sensitive to those who are grieving during the holidays. The move ranges from special services to the inclusion of hymns and prayers that speak to sadness during regular Sunday worship.

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Religion

The fun — and confusion — of celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah on the same date

At Latkepalooza, a friendly competition precedes Hanukkah

Interfaith families find meaning in "Chrismukkah"

During jubilee year, pope will ask Catholics to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation

For Pagans, winter solstice is a time for reflection and celebration

Brief encounter with skull of St. Thomas Aquinas goes from macabre to meaningful

Churches are making room for grief and loss at Christmas

Deadly violence in Nigeria tied to United Methodist Church schism over LGBTQ policies

Sotheby's to auction off ancient Ten Commandments tablet

Supreme Court to consider whether Catholic group is exempt from religious taxes