As a Jewish mother who has embraced both Hanukkah and Christmas through marriage and parenting, I find myself celebrating these two holidays with my husband and our two young boys. Our family isn’t particularly religious; thus, our holiday observances revolve around food, family traditions, and, of course, gifts. This can be quite the challenge, especially since my children are like a band of misfits, completely captivated by Santa Claus and ready to jump into any car driven by someone in a red suit who offers them Hanukkah gelt.
Navigating the holiday season with my Jewish upbringing has been both amusing and enlightening, leading to several valuable insights. For fellow moms who might be new to the Christmas festivities and feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are some essential dos and don’ts to help you survive this bustling time while keeping your sense of humor intact:
- Avoid the Grinch Mentality. The pressure of purchasing gifts for two little shopaholics who want everything they see can feel overwhelming. By Christmas morning, my boys unwrap presents with a fervor that would frighten anyone. Each year, I propose a family vacation instead of holiday chaos, and each year, I’m met with bewildered looks. Just let it go; Grinches never have the last laugh.
- Use Santa as a Discipline Tool. The impending arrival of Santa can be a useful way to encourage good behavior. Phrases like, “I’ll let Santa know you didn’t brush your teeth!” keep order in my home for a few months, allowing me to overlook the chaos of Christmas morning. (A side note: in our household, Hanukkah gelt doubles as leverage.)
- Take Your Kids to Meet Santa. A trip to the mall to visit Santa guarantees some memorable moments. Kids say the funniest things to that jolly man in front of the department store.
- Keep Santa’s Arrival Details Simple. When questions arise about Santa’s entry on Christmas Eve, stick to answering only what’s asked. Over-explaining can lead to terrifying inquiries, like whether Santa will come into their bedroom. Let’s hope not!
- Invest in a Real Christmas Tree. Not only do they offer a lovely scent, but they also have a smaller carbon footprint, especially with many communities hosting tree recycling programs. Plus, having a real tree provides motivation to take it down before Passover!
- Allow Your Kids to Decorate the Tree. While the tree may end up looking a bit lopsided, letting your children hang ornaments will boost their spirits. You can always rearrange them later when they’re at school, attributing any imperfections to pixie dust.
- Encourage Charitable Giving. The holiday season tends to emphasize receiving, especially when celebrating multiple holidays. It’s important to instill the value of giving in your children as well.
- Hide the Presents Until Christmas Eve. Avoid the mistake of placing gifts under the tree before the kids go to bed. I learned this the hard way when my son asked why Santa’s gifts looked just like ours!
- Remember to Fill the Stockings. As a child, I cherished the excitement of a Christmas stocking. Now, filling them sometimes feels like an extra chore. Maybe one day I’ll find a trip to a tropical destination in mine!
- Leave Out Cookies and Milk for Santa. After the kids are asleep, enjoy a cookie or two yourself. You’ll need that sugar boost to tackle the post-Christmas clean-up.
- Avoid Matching Wrapping Paper. Don’t wrap Santa’s gifts in the same paper as yours. I made this rookie mistake, and it led to some curious questions on Christmas morning.
- Celebrate Your Achievements. After the holiday madness subsides, take a moment to acknowledge your efforts. You made it through Christmas with your sanity intact!
As this guide for Jewish mothers wraps up, consider this critical question: what’s the more daunting task—cleaning up eight nights of menorah wax or dismantling a Christmas tree? Don’t overthink it; neither is a walk in the park.
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Summary: This article provides a humorous yet practical guide for Jewish mothers navigating the Christmas season. It offers tips on balancing holiday traditions, managing children’s expectations, and maintaining family harmony during this festive time.
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