Chanukah 2010

Sherree - posted on 12/30/2010

Thank you for sharing Sally! Living in a non-Jewish neighborhood and attending public schools we too have had many teachable moments :-)

and mazel tov on your son's engagement!

♥

Sally - posted on 12/30/2010

This is late for this year. I thought I'd share a story about my son when he was much younger. He's now 26, all grown up, and recently engaged.

Anyhow, when he was very young, probably around 1st grade, he really got annoyed by all the commercialization of Christmas. He attended an Orthodox Day School, so there was plenty of exposure to all the Jewish holidays and celebrations, but let's face it, if you live in this country you can't avoid the Christmas insanity from October thru January. My son was especially getting tired of ALL his favorite TV shows either being preempted by Christmas specials or being themed on Christmas. I mean, did the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles really have to have a Christmas episode??? The ONLY thing that even mentioned HIS celebration was an episode of Rugrats and a boring PBS documentary. When you are 6 yrs old something like that can really make you feel left out. He didn't really mind that other people celebrated their holiday, he just felt rather overwhelmed by Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and such.

One day he came up to me with the TV Guide in hand and requested that he be allowed to watch a certain show airing within the next few days. I asked what one that was. He announced, "It's called *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*!" I had no objection to him watching it, but wondered why he was so excited about it, especially since he was so put out about all the Christmas specials. He explained, reading the TV Guide, "It's about this green monster who STEALS Christmas from this town!" I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. He wanted to "steal" Christmas, if for just a short time.

So the day came of the airing of the show. He was ready when it began, and eagerly sat down to watch. After the show, he came to me in the kitchen with a very long face. "How was your show?" I asked. With a big sigh, he replied, "They made him put it back!"

We talked about the whole experience. I acknowledged his feelings of being overwhelmed by all the hype of the season. And we talked about what was important. That he didn't have to begrudge others of their holidays, even if they do seem to "take over the world" and "steal" our special days. As long as we have people who love us and care about us, then no one can "steal" what is ours, not even a green monster who wants everything for himself.

Watch for those teachable moments with your child. You won't regret them. Sometimes there are valuable lessons to learn in the most unlikely situations.

Sherree - posted on 12/14/2010

Thank you Selena ♥ And I am glad that you have your husband too!!

I was inspired to add Acheinu & thoughts of all loved ones away from home, when I read a friend's fb post - she stated that she was dedicating her first & last Chanukkah lightings to Gilad Shilat.. ..and Acheinu and the passion of the words and music just came to me.

Selena - posted on 12/14/2010

Sherree, I like how you added Gilad Shilat to your celebrations. Very meaningful... Gilad always reminds me about how much I love my husband because it was in 2006, when Gilad was taken, my husband was quickly drafted for a month to go to into Lebanon with the IDF. It always makes me very thankful to still have him with me -especially at times like Channukah!

Sherree - posted on 12/13/2010

..Sorry I didn't see this until after the fact.....but our Chanukkah was very lovely :-)
We light and sing every night at home. And a gift for each night.
the Sunday of the holiday we go to my mom and dad's house. It is always a nice day at my parent's home. Unfortunately my 2 college kids were not home due to scheduling, but when they come home we will celebrate.. ..alas without candle lighting, but it will still be nice.

We live in a small town, but there is a menora! My family and I organize and lead the lighting each night.

this year we added a "new tradition" to our songs. We remember Gilad Shilat and ALL people who are captives, and ALL people who are not home with their loved ones fighting for freedom/religious freedom,, who are somewhere other than with their loved ones where they belong.. ..In their honor we sing "Acheinu."

♥ Sherree

Eliza - posted on 12/05/2010

So far, it's been so much FUN!!! I'm keeping the presents low-key, my daughter's birthday is in a month.....

Kat - posted on 12/05/2010

How is everyone's holiday going? Any good presents? We're gearing up for our shul's Chanukah party!

Selena - posted on 12/01/2010

Tonight we're making yummy latkes and sufganiyot for dessert!

My daughter, Shai, and I are going to make some crafts this afternoon- our own hanukkiyah to hang on our large patio doors. We'll see how it turns out... she's only 23 months but she's quite the colour-er! ;)

As for the rest of the week, just spend the evenings together as a family, light the hanukkiyah and try and catch the family from Israel on Skype.



Hannukah Sameach!

Eliza - posted on 11/30/2010

MMMM, nothing better than Bubbe's Brisket!!! I made my Bubbe's recipe about a month ago! My daughter spends Christmas with her dad too ( we are not together either). I bought small gifts; she has Chanukah, Christmas, and then her B-day January 14th! I'm trying not to spoil her....

Kat - posted on 11/30/2010

We're having my parents over for the first night; making my Bubbe's brisket, tsimmes, latkes, applesauce, and challah with pareve ginger cookies! Yum! My son is getting a small gift for every night, but since he also celebrates Christmas with his bio-Dad we're keeping it small to try and combat the rampant materialism of the season.