In first grade, I took on the whole class in a lunchtime debate over the reality of Santa Claus. I was disappointed that the teacher (a nun) didn’t have my back. Of course, she had just finished teaching us about a virgin birth, so what did I expect?
SO many similar experiences! I always loved the twinklies, so one year, while visiting my religious Bubbe in her glittering, mostly Italian, Brooklyn neighborhood, 5 year old me asked "Bubbe, what did the Jews do wrong that we don't get to have Christmas?" Ouch. Hannukah came with a lot more presents after that, but by age 7, I'd convinced my parents to let me have a xmas tree in the house (and promised not to tell Bubbe). Never cared about the other trappings, and consider myself Jewish, but I also have curated the most beautiful tree of my childhood dreams.
Great story. Fully Jewish on Dad's side....and rather 'reform or contemporary' Jew. I believe my late uncle, my Dad's older brother, who lived in New Rochelle, actually was much more devout. I recall, while my Dad's parents were still alive, attending Jewish weddings and funerals. But hardly any celebration of Hannukah. Christmas wasn't even much of an accent to focus on except for my Mom attending Episcopal church (she grew up as Lutheran...and, yes, mixed religion kinda blurs things somewhat).
I don't truly celebrate the holidays at all like I once did even now tho I like capturing the sights and sounds of the season here in Philly.
Quick aside, if that Brooklyn address is yours, we have even more in common.
I have fond memories of our childhood, the days of ping pong in the garage, football in the front yard and baseball in the side yard. As we get older some of the memories fade but great stories like this one bring those memories back. Enjoy the holidays my friend. Pat
As a child of divorce with two half-brothers (them being half's also) it was a challenge to explain to my friends the Christmas plans that involved up to five different visits to various houses/towns. Fortunately religion wasn't much of a factor, lessening the confusion! Blending traditions sounds like the most fun. Enjoy your holiday and Happy New Year!
Paul, thanks for sharing this. I think you've mentioned some of this before, but I always find your stories interesting. I have friends in StL who have a bit of a mixed holiday tradition too. The husband is Jewish, the wife is half Christian and half Hindu. The kids are being raised Jewish, but celebrate Christmas and a few Hindu holidays too.
Blended holiday traditions create new traditions. It's why Christians have Christmas on December 25th. It's a mix of a few different celebrations, so the way you and your family celebrated is a perfect addition.
Thanks for this great insight into your family and culture, Paul. The happiest of holiday seasons to you.
Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas, Paul!
May all of us find our community of love and care this season.
In first grade, I took on the whole class in a lunchtime debate over the reality of Santa Claus. I was disappointed that the teacher (a nun) didn’t have my back. Of course, she had just finished teaching us about a virgin birth, so what did I expect?
SO many similar experiences! I always loved the twinklies, so one year, while visiting my religious Bubbe in her glittering, mostly Italian, Brooklyn neighborhood, 5 year old me asked "Bubbe, what did the Jews do wrong that we don't get to have Christmas?" Ouch. Hannukah came with a lot more presents after that, but by age 7, I'd convinced my parents to let me have a xmas tree in the house (and promised not to tell Bubbe). Never cared about the other trappings, and consider myself Jewish, but I also have curated the most beautiful tree of my childhood dreams.
This needs to be read by everyone possible.
Great piece! Thanks for sharing.
Pretty much exactly my story, minus the lemon tree!
Happy Holidays, Paul. UniWatch isn’t the same without you.
Happy Holidays to you and all of my fellow IC readers! Whichever Holidays are celebrated in your houses, I hope they're full of peace and joy!
Great story. Fully Jewish on Dad's side....and rather 'reform or contemporary' Jew. I believe my late uncle, my Dad's older brother, who lived in New Rochelle, actually was much more devout. I recall, while my Dad's parents were still alive, attending Jewish weddings and funerals. But hardly any celebration of Hannukah. Christmas wasn't even much of an accent to focus on except for my Mom attending Episcopal church (she grew up as Lutheran...and, yes, mixed religion kinda blurs things somewhat).
I don't truly celebrate the holidays at all like I once did even now tho I like capturing the sights and sounds of the season here in Philly.
Quick aside, if that Brooklyn address is yours, we have even more in common.
LOL - my sister and I had "Tip-It" too. 😄 Happy Holidays, Paul!
Looooove me some Tip-It.
I have fond memories of our childhood, the days of ping pong in the garage, football in the front yard and baseball in the side yard. As we get older some of the memories fade but great stories like this one bring those memories back. Enjoy the holidays my friend. Pat
As a child of divorce with two half-brothers (them being half's also) it was a challenge to explain to my friends the Christmas plans that involved up to five different visits to various houses/towns. Fortunately religion wasn't much of a factor, lessening the confusion! Blending traditions sounds like the most fun. Enjoy your holiday and Happy New Year!
Paul, thanks for sharing this. I think you've mentioned some of this before, but I always find your stories interesting. I have friends in StL who have a bit of a mixed holiday tradition too. The husband is Jewish, the wife is half Christian and half Hindu. The kids are being raised Jewish, but celebrate Christmas and a few Hindu holidays too.
Blended holiday traditions create new traditions. It's why Christians have Christmas on December 25th. It's a mix of a few different celebrations, so the way you and your family celebrated is a perfect addition.
Betting on which candle stays lit longest is more interesting on the eighth night than the first.
Haha, for sure!