Jews vs. Christmas lights: the eternal struggle
Posted at 6:50 PM Dec 10, 2008
By Bonnie Ruberg
I love Christmas decorations. Every year this debate comes up. "But you're Jewish!" my fiancé reminds me, insistent on the fact not that Christianity is wrong -- but that I should lack any and all holiday cheer. In general, it should be said, I'm not one of those cheerful, "goodwill toward men" kind of gals. But there's something downright lovely about seeing streets and houses lit up with Christmas lights. Back in suburban Philadelphia, I used to love driving around the neighborhood, spotting more and more outrageous lawn get-ups. Here in San Francisco, I'm getting a big kick out of seeing apartment fronts -- places rented by twenty-somethings like me -- all decked out. And then there are the apartments across the street, all of which have beautiful Christmas trees in the windows. Just looking at them makes me all irrationally glowy inside. So why can't we have one of those? True, our bunny might gnaw on one of the cords and explode. But where is Santa supposed to leave our presents without a tree? Wait, you mean there is no Santa? I blame my Jewish parents for raising me with both Chanukah and Christmas. Then again, I don't blame them for giving me double the gifts.How about you, dolls? How will you be celebrating the holidays, decoration-wise? Anyone have photos of their particularly festive setup they'd like to share? I'd be happy to post them for the world -- or at least the rest of Heartless Doll -- to admire!
Comments
Hi Bonnie! I don't think there's anything wrong with celebrating both holidays, and putting up "commercial" Xmas decorations. I mean, a nativity scene would be one thing, but it's not like trees and Santa and gifts have a real spiritual meaning these days.
I confess, I made a Twilight-themed tree this year in addition to my regular tree. It's black, with book-related ornaments. I consider it geek chic.
See tree here: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2008/12/bounty_hunter_my_twilight_tree.php
Posted 12/11/2008 at 11:10:02 AM