When my, British-Church of England mother married my, Canadian-Jewish Father, the deal was that she would embrace Judaism, but wouldn't give up her Christmas tree. So, I grew up with Christmas every year. I loved it then and I love it now.

In this quote, Hilary Farr reflects on the interfaith nature of her upbringing, where her British-Church of England mother and Canadian-Jewish father reached a compromise in their marriage. The deal was that her mother would embrace Judaism while maintaining the tradition of having a Christmas tree each year. This fusion of two distinct religions and cultures created a unique, inclusive celebration of both Christmas and Judaism in her home, allowing Farr to experience the joy of Christmas while being rooted in Jewish tradition.

Farr's story highlights the balance between honoring the heritage and values of both parents, demonstrating how families can blend traditions and create new, meaningful rituals. The fact that she "loved it then and I love it now" suggests that the experience of celebrating Christmas within the context of her family’s diverse religious background left a lasting impact. It shows that tradition doesn’t have to be strictly defined by one’s religion but can be a way to celebrate and embrace different aspects of identity.

The mention of the Christmas tree as a part of her family’s holiday celebrations is significant because it symbolizes the fusion of personal beliefs and traditions. For Farr, the Christmas tree became a symbol of the joy, warmth, and family bonding that Christmas represented, regardless of the specific religious context. It reflects the idea that family traditions can be both unique and deeply personal, even when they bridge different cultures and faiths.

The origin of this quote comes from Hilary Farr’s personal experience growing up in a multicultural and interfaith family. As a prominent television personality, known for her role on Love It or List It, Farr often shares insights from her life that touch on family, identity, and tradition. This quote reflects her appreciation for the love and tolerance her parents showed in creating a home where multiple traditions could be celebrated with equal enthusiasm.