Anyone else out there in a mixed marriage?

Here in Minnesota, a mixed marriage generally means when some crazy Lutheran goes and marries a Catholic. My husband and I are really crazy - I was raised Methodist and he was raised Jewish. Yes, my Minnesotan husband is one of the maybe 50 Scandanavian Jews in the world (and I'm now related to about 15 of the others...) Long story as to how a boy of almost all Norwegian, Swedish and a little Finnish heritage became to be raised Jewish, but it makes for interesting conversation at parties (and on our second date!). Needless to say, since we live near most of my lovely husband's family and not near mine, Jewish culture is definitely a part of our family gatherings. That said, after almost 15 years together, if my mother in law decides to explain the traditions behind Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur to me AGAIN this fall, I might just loose it. Thank goodness wine is a significant part of most Jewish celebrations, or I'd be in trouble!

So, with the big guy's family, we respect and celebrate Jewish traditions. With my family, and in our own family, we also respect and celebrate Christian traditions. We have a Christmas tree, we do some Easter stuff, and so forth. Mostly secular, but as the girls get older and ask more questions it does get a little more complicated. Our goal, to raise two young ladies to be good, honest, caring, moral people while respecting all people's faiths.

Raising a family of mixed race, culture, or religion is always a bit of a challenge, but I think it can be a great challenge also - a way to teach your children about diversity and tolerance. It's especially challenging when they have to choose between gifelte fish and lutfisk. Me - I'm still staying clear of both!