Have Yourself an Unorthodox Little Christmas: Ep. 71

This week we’re celebrating Christmas the only way we know how: Chinese food and a movie. Plus a bunch of amazing guests!

We’re joined by New York Times reporter Marc Tracy, who tells us about the tradition of Jews eating Chinese food on Christmas, and the Jewish songwriters behind some of the most well-known Christmas songs. Jessica Grose, the editor of the email newsletter Lenny, tells us why it’s OK for Jews to have a Christmas tree. Film critic Jordan Hoffman shares his favorite Christmas movies—and one classic he’s not so into. Librarian Rachel Kamin talks about a No Good Very Bad children's Hanukkah book (and recommends a few good ones), writer and activist Robin Rice tells us about her latest project, Your Holiday Mom, and Natasha Zaretsky explains why Soviet Jews have New Years trees.

Wishing you and your loved ones, pets, and frenemies a wonderful, meaningful, and delicious Hanukkah, and a merry Jewish Christmas!

We love hearing from you. Email us at Unorthodox@tabletmag.com with comments or questions, or just to say hi. We may share your note on air.

Music Credits:

"Unorthodox Theme Song" by Golem

"Last Christmas" by Wham

“Joy to The World” by The Klezmonauts“Deck the Halls” by The Klezmonauts

"God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen" by The Klezmonauts

"A Jew on Christmas" by Kyle“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt“

Have Yourself a Politically-Correct Christmas” by Sam Tucker

“Christmastime is Here” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

“Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” performed by Jewlia Eisenberg