What the Holidays Mean to All of Us



Posted: Friday, December 09, 2005

by Iris Taub

We are approaching yet another year coming to an end and all of us find ourselves searching through the newspapers, looking for sales, to buy that perfect gift for our loved ones.

We may celebrate different holidays but we are lucky to live in a country that allows us to worship without fear of persecution and alienation.

Do we take the time to reflect on the true meaning of our holidays, what others before us sacrificed in order to allow us to enjoy these holidays? I wonder how many of us take the time to really think about the past, to share the true meanings of each holiday with our families and to pass down the traditions of these holidays.

I am blessed with a mixed family. Even though we are of the Jewish faith, our children married outside our religion which in my opinion has enriched our family by enabling our family to share our traditions and teach our granchildren tolerance of other religions and more importantly to respect other faiths. Holidays around our house are always a combination of our faiths and this year should be especially special since Christmas Day and Hanukkah fall out on the same day. We will celebrate both holidays. Our grandson, who is nine understands what Christmas is all about and I have read the story of Hanukkah to him as well. This year we will pass on that tradition to our two year old granddaughter and she will hear the story of Hanukkah for the first time. We will gather together for a wonderful dinner and in honor of Hanukkah, we will light the Menorah and I will make potato pancakes.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, take the time to celebrate the past and look forward to the future. May you all find peace, good health, and happiness.

Happy Holidays to Everyone.

Iris S. Taub



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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by David Tanguay
from Jennings, Fl. 6 years 138 days ago.
You have been trully blessed, to believe your family has been blessed by mixed marriges, allowing you grandchildren to share other traditions, and also respecting other faiths. Happy Hanukka
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