As night falls and the world quiets, I find myself pondering the essence of the holiday season. What do I desire most during this time? You may wonder why a Jewish girl like me is contemplating Christmas. Yes, I am Jewish and I celebrate Hanukkah, which might suggest that Christmas isn’t relevant to me. But let’s be honest—that’s simply not the case.
The twinkling lights, cheerful reindeer, and jolly Santa figures are all around us. Christmas radiates a sense of beauty and magic that I can’t help but admire. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, I honor your traditions because they are special to you.
I have an appreciation for the cozy family gatherings that come with the season. In fact, the joy and strength people find in their faith is something that deserves admiration. I want my children to experience the richness of the world outside of our own home, to understand that the globe is filled with diverse cultures and celebrations.
That said, I find it a bit strange when people automatically wish everyone a Merry Christmas and take offense at “Happy Holidays.” The reality is, not everyone observes Christmas.
In my first grader’s classroom, there’s a wonderful mix of cultures. Recently, she came home bubbling with excitement about learning about Eid, thanks to several classmates. She engaged, appreciated, and shared her newfound knowledge. However, she didn’t proclaim “Happy Eid” or “Merry Christmas” to everyone. She understands that we all have different celebrations, and that diversity is what makes life vibrant.
Kindness and grace should be our guiding principles. Let’s operate from a place of goodwill, recognizing that we can embrace everyone’s traditions. The goal isn’t to erase Christmas from our culture, but to welcome in the celebrations of others.
During my time as a public school teacher, I decorated Christmas trees and participated in various holiday crafts. I also shared in Kwanzaa festivities, cooked Hanukkah latkes, and honored Japanese traditions with soba noodles during Omisoka. I invited families to share their holiday customs, and in doing so, we all learned from one another, celebrating both our differences and commonalities.
Respecting and acknowledging everyone’s traditions is essential. It’s easy to approach inclusivity with an open heart instead of assuming others’ beliefs. I’m not offended when someone says “Merry Christmas.” I’ve taught my children to view it as a wish for well-being. When I say “Happy Holidays,” it’s my way of wishing you joy without making assumptions about your beliefs or customs.
So here’s my heartfelt greeting: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Eid, or simply Happy Holidays to you!
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In summary, let’s embrace the beauty of diverse celebrations during this holiday season. Recognizing and respecting each other’s traditions fosters a sense of community and goodwill that enriches us all.