How did you decide...?

Karen - posted on 02/28/2011

I don't know if you're still looking for advice on this subject, but this is what my family does. I was born Jewish but married outside the religion. My husband considers himself Jewish by practice, even though technically he isn't. I've celebrated Christmas for a few years now, since I was not raised celebrating it. What my family does is every year we celebrate Hanukkah, following the more religious holiday traditions. Since most of my husband's family still celebrate Christmas, we do celebrate it as well, but we don't observe most of the rituals. We exchange gifts and have a nice meal but that's about it. We don't teach our children about Santa, we don't sing the songs or follow other traditions. We view it as a day to be with family, enjoying each other's company and simply have fun.

Amanda - posted on 01/15/2011

Thank you all for you replies. :) I'm going to give it time and try to explain it to him when it starts to come around later this year. Hopefully he'll have calmed down from his Santa craze by then.

Eliza - posted on 01/13/2011

My only advice, which ian't much, go with your heart. Religion is such a personal thing, go with what feels right, and make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and not because you feel obligated. Good luck with your journey, and remember all your Jewish Moms are here to support you!

Selena - posted on 01/11/2011

Hi Amanda,

You may find that you're thinking a lot about what you'll be missing as you start the conversion process but as time passes you'll soon discover how many new, wonderful and meaningful holidays you now have to celebrate with your family and friends.

You have a whole year to prepare and decide what is best for your family. It may be easier next year because Hanukkah is around the same time as Christmas.



Just do what feels right for you and your family :)



We're all here for support and the occasional venting ;)

Aislinn - posted on 01/10/2011

I can't give you much advice as far as how to handle explaining to your kiddo but I did want to give support.

I'm a convert and my husband is agnostic but we have agreed that our so will be raised Jewish. Before he was born we talked about how to handle Christmas and decided that we wouldn't do Christmas at home, but that he wouldn't feel "left out" since he would still celebrate (i.e. get presents) with my in laws and my father and step mother (my mom converted with me).

Well, now that the baby is here my husband is having trouble with the idea of never having Christmas with his son and even I am somewhat lamenting never having the Christmas morning experience. It's just such a huge part of society, it makes it very hard to avoid.

Sherree - posted on 01/07/2011

Dear Amanda,



I hope that you do receive responses from moms who were in your similar situation at one time.



Not having been in your same circumstance I cannot offer specifics, however I would like to offer supportive words.



Follow your heart, follow your instincts. Consider the meanings and beauty of the holidays that you are now adding to your life through the religion that you are seeking to embrace.



Your child will follow your lead and your emotions. While certain traditions will always hold special memories and meanings for you, you are now helping your child internalize different traditions that will morph into meaningful celebrations and special memories.



As you go through this process, when/if your child has questions, may I suggest keeping the answers relatively short, as this may help him understand/digest easier.



You sound like a loving, caring mom, and I am confident that you will be fine.



♥ Sherree