NAVIGATING THE WINTER HOLIDAYS
The December Delights: A Reframe and Conversation Prompts, Dr. Keren R. McGinity (USCJ, Interfaith Resources, 2023)
Reframing the “December Dilemma” as the “December Delights” helps couples, families, congregations, and communities to see the winter holidays in a new light. It encourages everyone to focus on celebrating differences rather than diminishing them.
From the “December Dilemma” To the “December Delights”, Dr. Keren R. McGinity (The Jewish Educator, 2018)
Even when holidays literally overlap on the calendar, by recognizing the distinctiveness about holidays and traditions, interfaith couples can create authentic celebrations, converting a “December Dilemma” into “December Delights” in their own unique ways. Acknowledging the sanctity of Christmas and the historical reality and meaning of Hanukkah about a military victory in defense of religious freedom fosters a family culture of mutual respect, enabling interfaith families to alleviate the pressure of trying to create a nonsensical holiday that encompasses both.
You Need To Talk To Your Jewish Children About Santa, Lauren Ben-Shosan (Kveller, 2017)
We should talk to young Jewish children about Santa. In their first year of kindergarten, if not before. Every parent needs to have a “Santa Claus conversation.” It begins like this: “Santa is not real.” And then talk about secrets.