As a Jewish mother who navigates both Hanukkah and Christmas through the lens of marriage and motherhood, I find myself celebrating these holidays with my husband and our two young children. Our family isn’t strictly religious, so we focus on the joyful aspects: food, family, tradition, and, of course, gifts. This balance becomes particularly entertaining when my children transform into a merry band obsessed with Santa Claus, easily tempted by anyone in a red suit offering Hanukkah gelt.
My journey of blending a Jewish upbringing with Christmas traditions has been both enlightening and humorous. For fellow mothers who might be entering this festive territory for the first time (and feeling a bit overwhelmed), here are some essential dos and don’ts to help you navigate Christmas with a smile:
- Avoid the Grinch Mentality: Trying to manage holiday shopping for two children who want everything they see often makes me wish for an off-the-grid existence (minus essentials like air conditioning and snacks, of course). By Christmas morning, the frenzy of unwrapping gifts can be intense. Each year, I suggest a family trip instead of holiday chaos at home, but each time, my family looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. Embrace the festivities; Grinches never thrive.
- Utilize Santa for Discipline: The impending arrival of Santa can be an effective tool for encouraging good behavior. Phrases like, “I’m telling Santa you didn’t brush your teeth!” are helpful for maintaining order. Santa’s presence allows me to overlook the post-holiday mess, which is crucial for my sanity.
- Take the Kids to Meet Santa: A trip to the mall to visit Santa is a must. The interactions can be hilariously unpredictable, especially when your kids say the most unexpected things to the jolly figure seated before them.
- Keep Santa’s Entrance Simple: Avoid over-explaining how Santa enters your home on Christmas Eve. Answer only the questions your kids ask to prevent unnecessary anxiety. For instance, questions about whether Santa will enter their bedrooms can lead to some very nervous children.
- Opt for a Real Christmas Tree: A real tree has a smaller carbon footprint, brings a delightful fragrance, and provides incentive to take it down before Passover rolls around.
- Let the Kids Decorate the Tree: Although the result may be a bit chaotic, allowing your children to adorn the tree boosts their self-esteem, and you can always rearrange the ornaments later.
- Engage in Charitable Acts: Amidst the season of receiving, it’s vital for children to learn the importance of giving.
- Hide the Presents Until Christmas Eve: Prevent the premature discovery of gifts by keeping them hidden until the kids are asleep. This simple strategy helps maintain the illusion of Santa’s surprise.
- Recognize Santa’s Contributions: While it may sting to give Santa all the credit for gifts, it’s heartwarming to see your children admire a positive figure, especially in a world filled with less-than-ideal role models.
- Don’t Forget the Stockings: Filling stockings can feel like an overwhelming task, but it can also be rewarding. Just imagine finding a surprise ticket to a tropical getaway in your own stocking someday!
- Leave Cookies and Milk for Santa: This tradition is delightful, and once the kids are asleep, indulge in some of those treats yourself to fuel your holiday preparations.
- Avoid Wrapping Paper Confusion: Ensure the presents from Santa are wrapped in different paper than those from you to maintain the magic of the day.
- Celebrate Your Accomplishments: After the holiday, take a moment to acknowledge your efforts and revel in the joy of having successfully navigated Christmas.
As I conclude this guide, I pose a thought-provoking question: Which task is more tedious—removing eight nights of candle wax from a menorah or un-decorating a Christmas tree? Neither is particularly enjoyable, so embrace the chaos!
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