Wednesday is Christmas, but for the first time since 2005, it's also the first night of Hanukkah, making it a special day for interfaith families who celebrate both holidays.

When Kai Cutler, age 4, walks into his living room, he sees a Christmas tree topped with a glittering star. That ornament is out of reach, but another decoration nearby hangs at eye level: A fabric menorah with Velcro candle flames.

On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah — a multi-branched candelabra.

Long Island Jews were expected to celebrate the start of Hanukkah Wednesday with traditional dreidels, menorah lightings and, of course, latkes as the holiday — in a calendar rarity — landed this year on Christmas Day for the first time in nearly two decades.