All over New York, Christmas trees and Hanukkah menoras are popping up. I'm reminded of an old episode of Friends that has Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, etc., decorating for Christmas, and Ross polishing a Chanukkah menorah. Yeah, all that time Christians are busy making cookies, decorating, buying trees, etc., is about the time it takes Jews to polish the Chanukkiah.
Another anecdote: several years ago, the US Postal Service issued a chanukkah stamp to round out the annual Christmas stamps. When asked whether he was satisfied with this, a leader of a Jewish organization said, "No. The USPS is missing the point. We don't think any religious holiday should be explicitly endorsed by the USPS."
So here's where I'm at. I'm touched that so much effort is made to include others in the holiday celebrations, and I think there's much to be said for a shared observance of the middle of winter, lighter times, and certainly themes of generosity, peace, etc.
But I'm fine letting the Christians celebrate Xmas. I don't begrudge them their celebrations at all and think they should make the most of it. I don't get offended when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, but I'm always a bit unsure whether I should tell them that it's not applicable. Usually, I smile and say "thanks and the same to you."
You could always wish them a Happy Chanukah and see if the penny drops. In any event, it's still a nice thing to say, even if it's not your holiday. Besides, aren't they more PC in the US these days, with more people saying a general "Happy Holidays" than referring to just one specific holiday?
Merry Christmas, Leif. ;-P
Posted by: Liza | December 06, 2006 at 04:37 AM