Happy Holidays!

One of the silliest posts I see on social media is "Don't say Happy Holidays. We're celebrating the birth of CHRIST!".

It doesn't make me angry, it makes me laugh. I know the people saying "Happy Holidays" are not trying to offend anyone. Just like when someone says "Merry Christmas" to me, I realize that they probably don't know I'm Jewish. I just say "Thank you". In fact, I love both Holidays.

When I was growing up as a Jewish boy in Long Island, NY, many of the Jewish mothers would complain about all the attention that was given to Christmas. They were upset that the town would put up and decorate large Christmas trees, yet only put up a small menorah for Hanukkah. They complained so much that the schools agreed that there should be no homework on the Jewish Holidays. All of a sudden, every kid celebrated Purim. Fast forward to now, all of a sudden some people are complaining that "we're trying to take the Christ out of Christmas" just because some people say Happy Holidays.

This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day. So out of respect for people who celebrate and worship different from you, it is appropriate to wish people a Happy Holiday, especially if you don't know their religion. Jewish Holidays follow the Jewish calendar which is based upon moon cycles instead of sun cycles. The Jewish calendar actually predates our calendar. Right now, according to the Jewish calendar, we're in year 5785.

Some of my family and friends, might find it odd that a Jewish boy from Long Island celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. Frankly, I just love the Christmas Spirit and I find no reason to be offended by people trying share the blessings of the Season. After a year of chaos, I think we all need a reminder about exactly why this Season is so special.

For me, this Season is all about our dreams and kindness. Being a good person. Be kind to your neighbor; hold the door for a stranger. It's a time to think of others, and put their needs above your own. The miracle of the Season is that kindness multiples. As you begin to share your love and kindness, that spirit expands to others. A simple smile is contagious.

For years, I've been writing about my Holiday wishes. Peace on earth. Especially now when we all appear to be so divided, I want everyone to know that we're not so different. We all desire the same things, peace, love, and kindness. We all want our loved ones to be safe and healthy. We might not agree on how to achieve those goals, but if we remember that we all want to reach the same destination, perhaps we can begin to make a real difference in this World.

My children are now 19 and 20. I hope to continue to see the excitement in their eyes this Christmas. The idea that anything is possible as long as you dare to dream.

I pray that they work hard to change the world and not let the world change them. I guess that's also part of the spirit of Christmas. When our children were young, we tell them, "You can have anything you want, just ask Santa". At some point, that all changed. But why? Perhaps the rules changed. We just can't ask Santa for everything we want...or can we?!

The spirit of Holidays is about our dreams. So this Season, be kind to each other and remember to chase after your dreams. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. You deserve it!

I would like to wish for all of you to experience joy and happiness of the Holiday Season. May all of you wake up on Christmas or Hanukkah with the hope and excitement of a child. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.