Hanukkah -- In the Nick of Time
Sat., December 23, 09:22 AM
This is one of those years when the holiday season reminds me of its original purpose: to reassure the people that the sun will return. Each religion has its own stories to support the holiday, but there are times when the one-fits-all explanation of Jewish holidays is good enough. They tried to kill us, we won; let's eat.
When the days get shorter, I start getting claustrophobic. I think the feeling is aggravated as my eyes deteriorate. There are mornings when I just stay in bed until there's some light in the sky -- say, seven o'clock. Well, that's not late, except for someone who used to get up regularly at five-thirty. Whatever.
Then, all of a sudden, it's time to light candles. One candle the first night, two on the second night... By the time we get to the shortest day of the year, the menorah is ablaze with light. Now, not only do I feel better, but I know the worst is over; within a couple of weeks I will notice the days getting slightly longer. The magic has worked once more.
I received a card this year with a very profound message:
But the love is the same
The spirit of peace is the same
So is the reverence, the joy and the light...
Let us rejoice in the blessing.
Right.
Let me say a word about holiday cards. Sending and receiving greetings is a part of the Christmas tradition I do enjoy. That does not mean anyone is obliged to mail me a card. I loved getting photos of some of my on-line friends. There was a beautiful hand-made card; I wish I had that kind of talent. I got an absolutely hilarious CSI-themed card. There was even a wonderful box of home-made goodies. I appreciate every e-mail I received. But your interest and your friendship mean more to me than any piece of paper, no matter how pretty it is.
I didn't even rant about commercials this year, ahem. May your holidays be all that you wish for.
