Sharing Leftover Toys and Food Brighten Holidays
I knew Hanukkah was finally over when Jack flipped through the Farmer’s Almanac that I gave him on day eight and searched for crisp dollar bills in between the pages of astronomical data. When Sari opened a box with a purple hoodie inside, I could tell by the disappointed look on her face that she rather would have a Limited Too gift card and pick out her own wardrobe. Even though I got a “thanks mom,†I didn’t feel the love. Where’s the true appreciation? I was disappointed by their selfish attitudes. Next year they’re getting a navel orange in their tennis shoe like their Christian friends wake up to on St. Nick’s Day. Continue reading
Room Mom Winterizes Holiday Party
Ever since my kids started elementary school—almost a decade ago—I’ve done my part as a room mom. I take my volunteerism seriously. After an hour in a rowdy, germ-infested, overheated classroom, I automatically pop two aspirin and drench my extremities in Purel instant hand sanitizer. One of my most challenging jobs as a room parent is to plan the school holiday celebrations throughout the year, including the fall (formerly Halloween) party, the winter (formerly Christmas) party, and the Valentine (still politically correct even though named after a saint) party.
This time of year, most parents are usually sensitive about respecting different religious beliefs and understand the need to keep the festivities wintry as opposed to Christmasy. Still, every December, I encounter one or two moms who try to sneak a little controversy into the agenda. Continue reading
Get the Spin on Popular Dreidel Game
My dreidel collection seems to grow every year. The last time I counted, I had 67 four-sided tops in all sizes and colors. During the eight days of Hanukkah, I keep these inexpensive little toys in a decorative bowl on my coffee table right next to the stack of Everyday With Rachel Ray magazines. Continue reading
Modern Bar Mitzvahs Play The Name Game
The other day Jack had the nerve to ask, “Mom, did you buy my Hanukkah presents yet?†I starred at him in disbelief. Doesn’t he realize that I just forked over $300 to get our dog’s teeth cleaned? Or what about the check I wrote last month for his basketball registration? He must think that money grows on trees, and those brand new black suede boots in my closet were free. Continue reading
Hanukkah Books Capture Hearts of All Generations
If I had a quarter for every time someone advised me, “Ellie, you should write a book,†I would be…let me think here…I need my calculator…about $5.25 richer. Actually, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to finish a children’s picture book, get it published, and sell my soul to amazon. com. Continue reading
Happy Hanukah to All, And to All A Good Night
I dedicate this little poem to my daughter Sari, who turns 8 on Christmas Eve, and all the other boychiks and meydles who get ripped off every year because their December birthdays are caught in the middle of the Hanukkah hoopla. Continue reading
From Big Band to Jazz, Hanukkah Music Gets a New Spin
Today’s Hanukkah songs are hip, and that’s music to my ears. The Jewish jukebox of Hanukkah tunes are so cool, in fact, that my kids just might download “I Have A Little Dreidel†on their iPods this year. For centuries, Jewish themes and values are communicated through music, and this latest genre of popular Jewish artists are bound to rock all ages with their unique takes on the Festival of Lights classics and originals. Continue reading
Unwrap The Greatest Gift of Yourself
I fried so many latkes this past week that I can’t get the smell of onions and olive oil out of my hair. Even worse, I still find sticky globs of pureed sweet potatoes and carrots that exploded in the blender when I made tzimmes soup for the first time.
As usual, this past Hanukkah was excessive in food and fun. In fact, I might wrap presents professionally to earn some extra spending money. Either that, or I’ll start a new jewelry trend that includes recycled lapel pins made of crinkled gold and silver foil from chocolate coins and stars.
So now that the holiday season is almost over and many of my friends are sunbathing in Mexico or snorkeling in the Caribbean, I have a chance to catch my breath and ask my exhausted and financially depleted self, “What gift means the most?†To me, it’s when I give of myself and show my children through my actions that helping others less fortunate is what makes us rich. Continue reading
Hanukah Lights the Way to Freedom of Expression
If there’s one thing Jews can agree on, it’s that Hanukkah is not a Jewish Christmas. (Now getting us to agree on how to spell Hanukkah—Hannukah, Chanukah, Channukah, or Hanuka—is another story). Sure, both holidays occur in December and fulfill lots of children’s wish lists, but the similarities between Hanukkah and Christmas stop there. Continue reading
Children’s Books Top Hanukah Shopping List
I roll my eyes at them—holiday shoppers who complain about all the Christmas gifts they have to buy. They still don’t get it. What about us Jews, whose kids expect to unwrap something exciting for eight days straight? Next to Playstation 3, one of the best Hanukah presents that parents can give their children is books, whatever subject appeals to them. Reading with your children is a great way to bond with your family any time of year, but sharing gelt and a good story on each night of Hanukkah makes the holiday even more special. Continue reading