21 Comments

To be fair, the Christmas tree is pagan in origin. So you had a lot of bases covered as a kid. Happy Holidays Paul and all the best in 2025!

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This needs to be read by everyone possible.

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Happy Christmasakuh Paul! I had a very similar story growing up, Xmas antics in my completely Jewish home in a mostly goyishe world. So this was a very relatable post! ;)

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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?

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Wonderful read as I sip my coffee, contemplating my thousands tasks today! I’m heading back to NYC on an early Christmas flight and your piece sent me back 50 years to Christmases on the south shore of Suffolk county. Of course, my family was part of that overwhelmingly Christian majority you write about. While you were navigating the mixed messages the holiday presented, I was living in the bliss of the truly ignorant: as far as I knew growing up, EVERYBODY celebrated Christmas. I had a fuzzy awareness that not everyone considered themselves Christians, but I knew not everybody’s parents were Republicans like mine, or were sailors, or were Mets fans. To my only barely-aware young self, those distinctions had nothing to do with enjoying and celebrating the most spectacular holiday ever. Thanks for the broader perspective from that same time and place! Have wonderful holidays, Paul; looking forward to what you’ve got to say in 2025!

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Great piece! Thanks for sharing.

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Pretty much exactly my story, minus the lemon tree!

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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.

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LOL - my sister and I had "Tip-It" too. 😄 Happy Holidays, Paul!

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Looooove me some Tip-It.

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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

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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!

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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.

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Happy Holidays Paul and thank you so much for this gift you have given to all of us!

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Thanks for this great insight into your family and culture, Paul. The happiest of holiday seasons to you.

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Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas, Paul!

May all of us find our community of love and care this season.

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