As a Jewish mom navigating the world of Christmas alongside Hanukkah, I find myself blending traditions with my husband and our two energetic boys. While we’re not a devoutly religious family, our holidays revolve around food, family, and of course, presents. However, my kids have an almost obsessive fascination with Santa that can be both amusing and a little overwhelming.
My journey into Christmas from a Jewish perspective has been full of surprises, lessons, and laughter. If you’re a mom new to the holiday season, here are some thoughts to keep in mind while embracing the joy (and chaos!) of Christmas:
- Avoid the Grinch Mentality. The challenge of managing Christmas gifts for two toy-hungry boys can be daunting. Every year, I propose a family vacation instead of the usual gift-giving frenzy, and every year I get looks as if I’ve grown two extra heads. So, I’ve learned to let it go. Grinches never come out on top.
- Utilize Santa for Discipline. Santa can be a great ally in keeping order. “I’ll let Santa know you didn’t clean your room!” works wonders. It helps maintain some semblance of control during the holiday madness, making it easier to overlook the post-present destruction in our living room.
- Bring Your Kids to Meet Santa. Taking your children to the mall to visit Santa can lead to some hilarious moments. They tend to say the most unexpected things to the jolly man in red.
- Keep Santa’s Arrival Simple. Don’t over-explain how Santa gets into your home. Answer only the questions your kids ask; otherwise, you might end up with overly curious kids worried about Santa entering their bedrooms.
- Opt for a Real Christmas Tree. A genuine tree not only smells delightful, but it also has a smaller environmental impact. Plus, it gives you a good reason to take it down before Passover!
- Let Kids Decorate the Tree. It may end up looking a bit chaotic, with ornaments placed at odd heights, but allowing your kids to decorate will boost their confidence and happiness. You can always rearrange things later!
- Encourage Charitable Giving. Amidst all the gift-giving, remind your kids of the importance of giving back. Engaging in charitable acts can help cultivate a spirit of generosity during this festive season.
- Hide Presents Until Christmas Eve. It’s essential to keep gifts out of sight until after the kids are asleep on Christmas Eve. I once showcased presents too early, leading to a curious child asking why Santa used the same wrapping paper as us.
- Leave Treats for Santa. Set out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve, and once the kids are asleep, treat yourself to a little indulgence! You’ll need the sugar boost to tackle all the post-sleep chaos.
- Don’t Forget the Stockings. Filling stockings can feel like the final straw, especially when you’re already exhausted. But remember, a little surprise in your own stocking could change your perspective!
- Acknowledge Your Hard Work. At the end of the day, take a moment to congratulate yourself on getting through Christmas. After all, you’ve earned it!
As I wrap up my tips for a Jewish mom’s Christmas adventure, I leave you with a thought: Which is more tedious — scraping candle wax off a menorah or taking down a Christmas tree? Either way, it’s a challenge!
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In conclusion, navigating Christmas as a Jewish mom brings its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the traditions, and make lasting memories with your loved ones.
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