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A Letter to My Jewish Kids During the Holiday Season
Hey there, my amazing kids,
As we dive into this festive time of year, I know it can get a bit confusing for us as Jews. Everywhere you look, it’s all about Christmas—there’s red and green everywhere, glittering lights, and cheerful music playing in stores. I can almost hear the jingles coming from your favorite playlists (though I bet you might not even know what a traditional radio is, huh?). Cars are parading with Christmas trees strapped on top, and social media is flooded with pictures of the latest Elf on the Shelf antics. It’s super clear that the holiday is around the corner!
Honestly, my heart sank the other day when you asked me when we were going to get our Christmas tree. It wasn’t just about wanting a tree; it made me think about how to explain why we don’t celebrate with decorations, Santa, or presents. You won’t find an Elf on your shelf, and cookies won’t be left out for Santa since he won’t be coming down our chimney. The truth is, Christmas is happening all around us, and for better or worse, it’s not a part of our family traditions.
Every year, someone inevitably asks if we’ll “do” Christmas. I mean, after all, Santa does make a grand appearance during the Thanksgiving parade in New York City. Some people have even suggested that we get a Hanukkah bush so you can enjoy decorating something, while others have encouraged us to light up our home with blue and white lights just to join in the “winter spirit.” These suggestions, although well-meaning, often imply that we might be depriving you of some fun tradition.
I genuinely hope that, although we don’t celebrate Christmas, you don’t feel excluded from the holiday cheer. We have our own traditions and beautiful moments to cherish during this season. We’ll light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and enjoy delicious latkes together! Plus, we’ll surround ourselves with family and friends, share good food, and find our own joy. Remember, we are fortunate to have the freedom and comfort to celebrate, while many others may not be so lucky.
And don’t worry—you’ll still get presents just like your friends who celebrate Christmas.
As you encounter all the sights and sounds of Christmas, I hope you’ll remember that it’s not about what holiday you celebrate, but how you celebrate it. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other occasion, the essence lies in love, kindness, and caring for one another. It’s about being true to yourself, helping those in need, and spreading joy—no matter the holiday.
So, my little champions, this time of year may be a bit perplexing for you, but remember that it’s special for the values it encourages us to embrace. You have so much in common with your friends who celebrate Christmas, even if it doesn’t seem that way right now. And don’t forget, Christmas is also a day for our people—where we can enjoy movies and Chinese food with other Jewish families across the country.
Happy Hanukkah, my sweethearts. Mommy loves you endlessly!
Love,
Mommy