‘Tis the Season: Jewish Contributions to the American Christmas Season Exhibit

What do Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, realistic-looking artificial pine trees, and some of America’s most beloved Christmas songs have in common? All were shaped by the imagination and ingenuity of Jewish Americans, including immigrants whose creativity and entrepreneurial spirit helped bring holiday cheer, beloved traditions, and lasting nostalgia into American popular culture throughout the 20th century, creating traditions that generations of Americans can enjoy.

‘Tis the Season explores the remarkable influence of Jewish composers, artists, authors, and inventors who became cultural pioneers in a time where America was building meaningful traditions to celebrate during the winter holidays. 

The exhibition highlights the origin of Rudolph, the composers of beloved holiday songs and the spectacle of elaborate department store window displays of L.L. Berger and The Sample Shop, which  drew crowds to Buffalo’s Main Street. 

The exhibition also explores holiday literature, from Christmas books illustrated by immigrant and Jewish artist Ben Shahn to modern stories that share the traditions, experiences, and cultural connections of Chanukah and Christmas.

‘Tis the Season is the result of extensive research and collaboration among the Jewish Museum of Buffalo’s staff, consisting of archivists, professional researchers, and artists, bringing together historical scholarship and discoveries to reveal the often-overlooked Jewish contributions to American Christmas traditions.

Tis the Season is the museum transformed into a space of joy, nostalgia, offering visitors  a way to experience and learn about the diversity of winter holiday celebrations.