Happy Chanukah!

Any reason for a celebration is good enough for me!
If you go back far enough, most traditions that are thought of as belonging to any particular tradition come from somewhere else.
It's pretty much all borrowed.
Which doesn't make it any less fun.
What ever brings happiness and joy and contentment - more power to you!

I don't have an answer to your question, but wanted to tell you that after a rough day, it was so refreshing to read your post. It doesn't matter to me that we don't celebrate the same holidays, just that you were willing to wish me Happy Chanukah and not worry that I might be offended. It is so tiresome to read of people not being able to celebrate as they see fit - whatever the holiday. I hope you find light, joy, and peace during this holiday season!

Hi A.,

Thanks for the wishes, and if you celebrate the festival of lights, "Chag Sameach" to you!

We had a quiet night with just my husband, me, and our youngest. Our older two children live out of state, and our next youngest son is a junior in college and won't be home until his finals are finished.

We said the blessings and lit the menorah. Our youngest son opened a couple of small gifts and we played dreidel. It's a school night, so that is the extent of our celebration tonight. To me, this is perfect. It doesn't have to be a huge celebration for me to feel the joy of this holiday. We will celebrate more throughout the week and on the weekend.

I love the sights, sounds, and smells of December. I don't care if it's Chanukah or Christmas or any kind of winter celebration. Who doesn't like pretty lights and decorations? I like the songs of Chanukah, and I like Christmas music (except when it starts the day after Halloween!). We like watching holiday programs. It's just fun!

Additionally, in our family, there are tons of birthdays (including mine) and wedding anniversaries in December. It's kind of like one big party all month!

We have many Christian friends and some family members, so we are happy to join holiday parties, dinners, etc. To me, it's all about being with family and friends and sharing happiness and being grateful for all of the blessings in our life.

It doesn't bother me if people wish me a Merry Christmas---they're being nice! We get Christmas cards from people, too. They celebrate Christmas, and they're just sharing their joy with us. They're thinking of us, and that always brightens my day. I also love seeing pictures of family and friends in their holiday cards.

I wish people would lighten up about the whole holiday greeting thing. No one group OWNS December. Even though our nation is predominantly Christian, there are many winter holidays at this time of year. People should recognize when someone gives them a greeting, whether 'Merry Christmas,' 'Happy Holidays,' 'Happy Yule,' 'Happy Chanukah,' 'Happy New Year,' or whatever, they're just being kind, and it should be accepted in that manner.

So, in that spirit, I am wishing you and all of the mamas, dads, and grandparents here peace, joy, and love as you celebrate your favorite holidays.

J. F.

Happy Chanukah!

My brother married a muslim woman who had immigrated her from the middle east when they were in high school. Sadly, she has since died, but my brother has two daughters. Since my nieces have some extended family here, we do celebrate some of the Islam holidays, including Ramadan, although my nieces will not cover themselves when the become the appropriate ages, and their extended family is ok with that. They also celebrate some of our holidays, especially if there is gift giving involved. I like how inclusive the family is...everyone is welcome as each other's holiday table, regardless of who you are.

ha! mine has so many dang festivals it's hard to keep up with my own!
but having celebrated the Big Christian Ones for so many years, they're near and dear to my heart for secular reasons, so i always enjoy 'em.
happy holidays, dears!
:) khairete
S.

I do often get invited to celebrate holidays with friends. I never pass up a holiday celebration!

We celebrate Christian and Jewish holidays. We were really busy (and tired) last night so we just lit the menorah and said the blessing. Tonight, we'll have a brisket and latkes for dinner. We are getting together with family on Sunday for the big family celebration, then it's on to Christmas Eve and Christmas with my family a few days later.

We don't celebrate holidays of other cultures but would if invited to do so. Honestly though with Catholics and Jews in the same family we've got enough to celebrate already!

We celebrate Los Reyes, Dia de Los Muertos, and Las Posadas.
My husband is from Mexico, so we want to make sure the kids celebrate from both cultures!

I loved your post and all of the responses. I'm a NY Jew and moved to the Atlanta area about 15+ years ago.
Each holiday season, being surrounded by the predominantly Christian holiday decorations, etc. in the stores from Thanksgiving through Christmas has rubbed me the wrong way. I've often felt that it would be nice for Christians to be more aware that not everyone celebrates the same holiday and have always wished they would say "happy holidays" instead of "merry christmas."
However, every once in a while someone posts/says/etc. something like you did and I realize that they are just being kind and I need to relax!
Thank you and all the people who commented for reminding me what this season is all about. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season :)

Thank you! Happy Chanukah to you too!