| | A Jew at Christmas.“What do you think about all this?” a sensitive co-worker asked as he waved his arms at the office Christmas decorations.
He was referring to the giant decorated Christmas tree, empty oversized boxes wrapped like gifts, white lights adorning the ficus, and Christmas carols playing from a portable home stereo.
“I like all this,” he continued, still waving his arms. “But I don’t want other people to feel uncomfortable.”
“It doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all,” I quickly responded.
Then I paused.
“But it does make me feel … different.”
He seemed disappointed, as if the display of decorations was rubbing my nose in the fact that Christmas – and all its festive hoopla – is not for me.
I tried to clarify. “Feeling different isn’t a bad thing. I *am* different. I *like* being different, being Jewish.
“If you walked into an NAACP meeting, you’d notice you’re white. When I walk into the building, I notice I’m Jewish.”
It’s interesting. There’s hardly anytime I feel more Jewish than Christmas time.
For me, Christmas is about seeing friends who are home for the holidays, gift exchanges and holiday parties. It’s about cookies and candy, and wishing other people 'Merry Christmas' as they celebrate their holiday.
Meanwhile, I’m quietly comfortable being different. And I’m grateful that the holiday that makes me feel that way.
Merry Christmas.
|
| | Posted 12/25/2007 4:51 PM - 26 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- give stars
- votes3
- email
 - sent0
|
