When neighbors walk by the Hua household on a winter night, they encounter an usual combination placed in the window; the soft light of a Christmas tree complements the glow of a menorah.

The Christian and Jewish symbols add their own festive flare with the Chinese lanterns that hang from the ceiling. Latkes and matzo ball soup cook on the stove while ginger bread cookies melt in the oven. A plethora of holiday traditions can be found all under one roof in the household of junior Megan Hua.

Megan comes from two parents of very diverse backgrounds. Her mother is of Hungarian, Russian and Polish descent and practices Judaism. Her father is Chinese and is Christian.

“My parents respect each others’ opinions. Christianity branched off from Judaism so they have similar principles. They had two weddings. A Chinese one and then an American one. At the American one they had both a rabbi and a priest conducting it,” Megan said.

Megan identifies herself as Jewish even though her older brother and father are Christian.

“I like the community base of Judaism. It appealed to me more and I like the religious values” Hua said. “I go to synagogue with my younger brother and my mother. My grandma makes me go to Chinese temple sometimes but I don’t go to [Christian] church. We’ve never had religious conflicts and we respect each other’s religions. We are not trying to convert each other.”

Her younger brother, Matthew Hua, shares her faith and recently celebrated his bar-mitzvah for his thirteenth birthday. The religious gathering marks the coming of age for the individual and is for family and friends.

“I really wanted to have a party. My mother also told me to do all of the preparation so as I did all of it I have gotten comfortable with and enjoy Judaism, their beliefs and religion” Matthew said.

Megan, Matthew  and their mother, Lori-Beth Feld Hua, celebrate Christmas along with the rest of her family, as well as Chinese holidays such as the New Year.

“Everybody participates but the level of participation varies. For Christmas it is more family and we don’t go to church or do anything religious. We celebrate it as the spirit of the holidays and gift givings,” Hua said.

Hua, as an individual from a rich cultural background, notices the misconceptions of her own religion.

“Hanukkah is not as big of a deal as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. Hanukkah just happens to be in December so we tie it along with the Christmas for the holiday atmosphere so people blow it up because it is around the same time,” Hua said. “This Thanksgiving was also Hanukkah. It was special because it was double the celebration and really family based.”

Although her family traditions might be considered a bit unorthodox, Hua really appreciates experiencing her families unprejudiced blend of ideologies.

“I get exposed to a wide range of opportunities and people with different ethnic background, views, morals and opinions. It is definitely character building,” Hua said.