Holidays

[lesliepear]

I am Jewish. But my mom was brought very very assimilated, so I grew up with a tree, presents etc. Never bothered me even though I did attend religous school from grades 5 through 12. My ex was Catholic, so I still did Xmas and even the years after I left him, I did my own tree and decorations.

When I moved in with DH I gave up the tree and decorations as he had a lot of Jewish friends who wouldn't be pleased (his friends are basically family to us, he's known them forever). I do decorate a little for Chanuka and send holiday cards to family (not many), friends, and many net friends!

I saw this for Alan and us for Chanuka, so I ordered it:

http://www.fisher-pricestore.com/fpecom/plsql/fp1.pdisp?groupid=80532&catid=52575§ion=TOD_IN

I did it to support the fact they did something other than Nativity sets. It probably isn't 100% accurate but its a good thought. I also used to sell Avon and usually bought what they had for Chanuka - some years it was very good - fridge magnets, a mug, ceramic musical driedel, stuffed bears in blue/white. One year was VERY bad: they did sabbath candlesticks and mezzuahs (door thingies). Not only were they not children's gifts - they were either things you HAD or NOT - one set of candlesticks is enough and one mezzuah per door is all you need. This year they've got some sort of dish I'll order from an on-line friend.

I'm not sure how we'll bring up Alan. Neither DH or I are particularly religous, and the issue hasn't yet come up (he's only 13 months). We were going to actually take him on a Santa train next month (with some Jewish friend of ours, ironically) but it conflicts with a family function.

(Easter/Passover is actually easier. Except my mother would always like to go for Easter dinner (to eat out - she always liked that) and was happiest when passover didn't fall on easter!))

Comments

[fosterbass.livejournal.com]

I'm also from a (not too) Jewish family. We often had a tree, but a small one - more like a bush. Sometimes we decorated it in chanuka colors like blue and silver. One year we decorated it with strings of popcorn and cranberries. The dogs tore it up when we weren't home.

My wife is Catholic (and hates it, but her family is pushy) so we have a tree that we set-up. Mostly because Christmas if so fun, without the religious aspects. I want Teddy to believe in a jolly guy who flys around rewarding people who are good.

Teddy didn't have a christening or a bris/naming. That was a big problem for my dad and my wife's mom. I'm pretty sure they'll get over it.

Alan did have a bris

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

We did do a bris for Alan (with a reform moyel). I felt he should have a good start with G*d no matter what path he choses. And he will most likely be bar mitzvahed (through a reform synogogue). DH do differ about religous school. I'd like him to start earlier than I did (5th grade), so he can learn holidays/culture. I think DH basically wants him there long enough to be bar mitzvah'ed.

[stitchinthyme.livejournal.com]

Thing is, Christmas trees are not actually Christian in origin; they're a holdover from Pagan Solstice celebrations. From what I've read, the early Christians co-opted them (and Easter eggs, etc) so the Pagans would be more willing to convert.

Ray and I aren't religious at all, but we like to decorate for Christmas -- we like the lights and colors and festivity.

[raisin.livejournal.com]

that is such a cute little set!

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

I wish I could make an LJ icon out of it :)
Maybe when the set arrives :)

[preternatural.livejournal.com]

Fisher Price mails me little sales booklets - I saw that set in there and thought it was so cool!

Were the mezuzahs just empty or did they also provide the properly calligraphed scrolls? : )

I think the mezzuahs were empty

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

Those would have to come from a judica store (like www.jewishsource.com )

[yeoww.livejournal.com]

My dad's family is Jewish and my great-great grandmother on my mom's side was Jewish. But my father didn't want to raise us as Jews, so we grew up in a religiously confused household.