This post was originally published in December 2013. I can’t remember what I read two days ago, so I’m banking on the fact that you won’t remember what you read two years ago. And if you didn’t read it then, pretend it’s brand new.
Christmas…it’s the most wonderful time of the year. The whole country seems to be celebrating.
But what if you don’t celebrate? What if Christmas is just another cold day in December? I love the spirit of the season – the decorations, the parties, the good cheer. I love that for one month, people are a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more patient. Yet there are pros and cons to being a non-Christian during the yuletide season.
Being a Jew in December means…
I save money by not buying a Christmas tree or holiday decorations and lights.
BUT
The kids complain that our house is the dreariest on the block. Those Hanukkah candles burn down pretty fast.
I feel no need to bake twenty dozen cookies, which will inevitably end up on my hips.
I have no use for that creepy Elf on a Shelf. If Santa doesn’t visit, there is no way that elf boy is taking one freaky footless step into my home.
There’s less commercialism. Despite the prevailing belief, Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. It’s a minor holiday. We buy our kids small gifts for each night, and one night we adopt a family in lieu of receiving gifts.
They may be small, but Matt and I get all the credit for the gifts. We don’t have to let the big guy give our kids the gifts they want the most.
People are always wishing me Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I get Christmas cards with warm wishes and photos of smiling friends and family.
I’d have to be a Grinch not to catch the spirit of the season. I am many things, but a Grinch is not one of them. Haven’t you seen my flash mob?
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