As a Jewish mama who embraces both Hanukkah and Christmas through the lens of marriage and motherhood, I find myself in a festive whirlwind with my husband and our two energetic boys. We’re not overly religious, so the holidays revolve around food, family, traditions, and, of course, presents. However, it can be quite a challenge when my kids act like a band of Santa-loving little rascals, ready to hop in any car driven by someone in a red suit who promises Hanukkah gelt.
Navigating the Christmas season with my Jewish upbringing has been a mix of confusion, enlightenment, and plenty of laughs. For those mamas new to the Christmas scene (and perhaps thinking, Oy!), here are some essential dos and don’ts for surviving the holiday while keeping your sense of humor intact:
- Don’t be a Grinch. Shopping for Hanukkah and Christmas gifts for two little shopaholics who already have everything they could need, yet still want every toy reviewed by their favorite YouTuber, can be overwhelming. On Christmas morning, my boys unwrap gifts with such wild excitement that it’s terrifying. Each year, I propose a family getaway instead of the holiday chaos at home, but my family looks at me as if I’ve grown an extra head. Just let it go—Grinches never win.
- Do utilize Santa for discipline. Phrases like, “I’ll tell Santa you didn’t brush your teeth!” or “Santa isn’t fond of tattletales!” can work wonders in maintaining order in our home for months leading up to Christmas. This is especially helpful when I need to overlook the post-present chaos on Christmas morning. (By the way, in our house, Hanukkah gelt doubles as leverage!)
- Take the kids to meet Santa. A trip to the mall to snap a picture with Santa guarantees some hilarious interactions with the jolly fellow in front of Victoria’s Secret.
- Don’t over-explain Santa’s arrival. Only answer the questions your kids ask about Santa. If you dive too deep, you might end up with some wild inquiries like, “Is Santa coming into my bedroom?” Yikes!
- Do invest in a real Christmas tree. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it also has a smaller carbon footprint, and most communities offer tree-recycling programs. Plus, it gives you the incentive to take it down before Passover.
- Let your kids decorate the tree. It may end up looking like a disaster zone, but your kids will beam with pride, and you can always rearrange it later. If they inquire about the odd placement of the ornaments, just say it’s all about pixie dust.
- Engage in charitable acts. With all the “getting” happening during this season, especially when celebrating multiple holidays, it’s crucial to instill the value of giving in your children as well.
- Wait until Christmas Eve to place presents under the tree. I once thought it was practical to arrange gifts as I wrapped them, but my husband pointed out that the kids need to believe Santa delivered them, so they must be hidden until bedtime.
- Let go of the jealousy of Santa’s glory. It can be frustrating to do all the work and see Santa take the credit. However, it’s refreshing to have your kids look up to a positive figure, especially in a world filled with negative role models.
- Don’t forget the stockings! While I used to dream of Christmas stockings as a child, now I sometimes wish they could just disappear. Filling them can feel like the final straw, but I’d change my tune if I found round-trip tickets to a tropical getaway in mine!
- Leave cookies and milk for Santa. And once the kids are asleep, indulge yourself—you’ll need that sugar rush to tackle the mountain of Santa’s chores!
- Avoid using the same wrapping paper for Santa’s gifts. I learned this the hard way when my son questioned how Santa had the same wrapping paper. Just say it’s magic.
- Pat yourself on the back once the holiday is over. After hauling the trash and recycling to the curb on December 26th, give yourself a quiet Mazel Tov—you did it! You survived Christmas!
As I wrap up this Jewish Mama’s guide to Christmas, ponder this: which is more tedious—scraping eight nights’ worth of wax off a menorah or dismantling a Christmas tree? Don’t dwell too much; they both come with their challenges.
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Summary:
This guide offers a humorous and relatable perspective for Jewish mothers celebrating Christmas alongside Hanukkah. It includes practical tips on gift-giving, tree decorating, and navigating the holiday’s challenges while maintaining a light-hearted approach.
Keyphrase: A Jewish Mama’s Guide to Navigating Christmas
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