Next week, I’ll be talking more about the 31-minute challenge, which I am delighted to report, really seems to resonate.
In the meantime, though, tomorrow is the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that celebrates faith, miracles and freedom. Time to rescue that menorah and  buy a humongous bag of potatoes for the latkes.
As for the Christmas tree, I already have it up, in case you were wondering. 
Yes, we’re one of those families. I am Jewish. My husband comes from the Christian tradition. Our kids attend neither Hebrew School nor CCD. They just get lots of presents this time of the year. 🙂
I am sure some people have a problem with that choice. Orthodox Judaism, for one, encourages Jews to “stick to their own kind,” and worries about the rising rates of intermarriage. Meanwhile, just next door and across the street, in our highly decorated and Christmas-y neighborhood, some lawn signs proclaim, “Keep Christ In Christmas,” while one of our bushes sits there decked with little dreidels that light up at night.
I respect the sentiment. I really do. I think those who want to keep things pure are brave and noble in their quest to preserve the original meaning of their holidays. They fight to save the traditions of their faiths going back many centuries, even while families like mine create brand new traditions.
Pure colors help keep the world’s palette in perspective. But where would we be without the pinks, the turquoises and the purples of this world?
Whatever you celebrate, happy holidays to you and yours. Even from the distance, be it miles or theological differences, in the end, we all celebrate together. When we watch our Christmas lights or menorah candles break the cold winter dark into a million pieces, we acknowledge the existence of magic in our imperfect world.
Wishing you the best this holiday season!
Love,
Katia
Katiaesque 
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