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A Jewish Mama’s Guide to Celebrating Christmas
As a Jewish mother navigating the complexities of celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas through marriage and motherhood, I find myself balancing these two festive occasions with my husband and our two energetic young boys. Our family isn’t particularly devout, so the holidays primarily revolve around food, family, traditions, and of course, presents. My children, however, are a whirlwind of excitement, entranced by Santa Claus and eager to accept gifts from anyone in a red suit who might offer them Hanukkah gelt.
Embarking on this Christmas journey has been both amusing and enlightening, filled with valuable lessons learned along the way. For those new to embracing the holiday spirit while feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are some practical dos and don’ts to help you navigate Christmas with laughter and grace:
1. Embrace the Spirit:
- Don’t be a Grinch. The pressure of buying gifts for two enthusiastic children who want everything they’ve seen on YouTube can be daunting. Instead of succumbing to the chaos, focus on enjoying the holiday and the time spent together. Remember, Grinches never win.
2. Use Santa Wisely:
- Don’t underestimate the power of Santa for discipline. Phrases like “Santa is watching!” can help maintain order during the festive season, giving parents a bit of leverage when chaos ensues. In our household, Hanukkah gelt also serves as leverage.
3. Meet Santa:
- Do take your kids to the mall to meet Santa Claus. The interactions can be hilariously memorable as kids often share the most unexpected thoughts with him.
4. Keep the Magic Alive:
- Don’t over-explain how Santa visits. Answer only the questions your children ask, avoiding any unnecessary details that might lead to confusion or fear.
5. Choose a Real Tree:
- Do opt for a real Christmas tree. Not only does it have a smaller carbon footprint, but it also smells wonderful and provides motivation to take it down before Passover.
6. Let the Kids Decorate:
- Do allow your children to decorate the tree. It may end up looking a bit chaotic, but their joy in participating is what truly matters. You can always rearrange things when they’re not around!
7. Promote Giving:
- Do engage in charitable activities during the holiday season. Emphasizing giving alongside the receiving can help instill important values in your children.
8. Timing is Key:
- Don’t place presents under the tree until the kids are asleep on Christmas Eve. This keeps the magic of Santa alive and avoids early morning chaos.
9. Share the Glory:
- Do remember to let go of the frustration over Santa receiving all the credit for your hard work. It’s refreshing for children to admire a positive figure, even if it’s fictional.
10. Stockings Matter:
- Don’t neglect the stockings. While filling them can feel overwhelming, they remain a beloved tradition. Consider treating yourself to a stocking next year!
11. Cookies for Santa:
- Do leave cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve. And yes, indulge in a few yourself after the kids have gone to bed—you’ll need the energy for the festivities!
12. Wrapping Paper Matters:
- Don’t use the same wrapping paper for Santa’s gifts as your own. This rookie mistake can lead to awkward questions on Christmas morning.
13. Celebrate Your Efforts:
- Do take a moment to appreciate your hard work after the holiday. As you haul away the trash and recycling on December 26th, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
In closing, as you reflect on your unique holiday experiences, consider this: Which is more challenging—removing candle wax from a menorah or un-decorating a Christmas tree? The answer may not be simple!
For further insights on navigating family dynamics and celebrating the joys of parenthood, check out this post from our blog. Additionally, for expert advice on fertility and home insemination, visit Make A Mom and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Summary
A Jewish mother’s guide to celebrating Christmas provides practical tips for balancing traditions, ensuring the magic of the holiday remains intact while fostering family values of giving. Through humor and personal anecdotes, the guide addresses common challenges, encouraging readers to embrace the festive spirit and cherish the moments spent with loved ones.