It’s late, dark, and peaceful. As I sit in this quiet moment, my thoughts drift to the holiday season and what it means to me. So, what’s a girl like me, who grew up celebrating Hanukkah, doing thinking about Christmas? Yes, I’m Jewish, but Christmas? It’s impossible to ignore its presence.
The twinkling lights, the festive decorations, the spirit of giving—it’s all around us. Christmas is undeniably beautiful and enchanting. I genuinely respect how you celebrate your holiday, recognizing its significance in your life.
I love the warmth of family gatherings and can appreciate the joy people find in their traditions. My curiosity about different ways of celebrating fuels my desire to share those experiences with my children. I want them to see the world’s vastness and its incredible diversity.
But let’s not forget, it’s a bit strange to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and take offense if someone opts for Happy Holidays instead. Why? Because not everyone observes Christmas, and that’s perfectly okay.
In my daughter’s first-grade classroom, cultural diversity thrives. Just last week, she returned home buzzing with excitement after learning about Eid from her classmates. She embraced and celebrated that knowledge! However, she didn’t wish anyone a Happy Eid or a Merry Christmas because she understands that everyone has their own unique traditions. This is what makes our world so vibrant.
Grace and kindness should guide our interactions, embracing the idea that people generally come from a good place. To me, the focus shouldn’t be on removing Christmas from public life but rather on welcoming everyone’s celebrations.
During my time as a public school teacher, I participated in various cultural activities—decorating Christmas trees, sharing Kwanzaa stories, making Hanukkah latkes, and even celebrating the Japanese festival of Omisoka with delicious soba noodles. I invited families to share their holiday traditions, creating an environment rich in learning and appreciation for our differences.
Every tradition was honored and celebrated, and that’s how it should be everywhere. It’s easy to avoid making assumptions about someone’s beliefs. It’s graceful and simply right.
I’m not bothered when someone says Merry Christmas, and I’ve taught my children to feel the same way. Such greetings convey good wishes and a shared sentiment of joy for the season. So, when I wish you Happy Holidays, know that it’s not an attempt to diminish your celebration. Rather, it’s my way of acknowledging the diversity of beliefs and wishing well for everyone.
So, let me extend my warmest wishes: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Eid, or simply Happy Holidays to you!
For more insights on celebrating diverse traditions, check out this blog post on Home Insemination Kit and learn about the journey of parenthood. You can also find valuable information at Make a Mom for those exploring their path to family. Additionally, UCSF’s Center is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, let’s celebrate the beauty of our differences and extend kindness during this festive season, embracing the richness that comes from our varied traditions.