The details of my answer, I think, are what people are looking for, however. Do we have a tree? Do we exchange presents on the 25th of December? And if so, how can we do this when the holiday itself is about Jesus, the proposed savior of mankind? What kind of message are we sending our daughter?

Well, Mike’s dad was raised Catholic and though Mike’s mom raised her children Jewish, they found a way to celebrate with both sides of the family. They have decorated a tree and hung lights and garland since Mike was born. They also light the menorah and fry latkes. Since we are living with his parents right now, we participate and enjoy it all. But this does bring up some good questions for us about what we will do next year.

As I said, I think Jesus lived an amazing life and he was a wonderful example of love. Though I intend to raise August with the Jewish customs and holidays, I can think of no good reason to not let her partake in her grandparents Christmas holiday that is also celebrated in my family back in Oklahoma, as well as my sister’s house in California. You won’t find a crucifix or a nativity scene at my house but you can bet there will be a towering fir tree, many presents and lights of the electric and candle kind.

I think the oddest thing about this time of year is not that a Jew would appreciate the joys of Christmas but that anyone might think there is one way to have a meaningful spiritual experience through the great story of a man who tried to teach people to be loving kind and generous to everyone regardless of their religious or social label.

I hope my fellow Hebrew friends and family had a wonderful Chanukah. I know we did. Still to come, may we all have a peaceful and merry Christmas.

August Moon having a little snack