When You Don't Care About Christmas

Deck the halls with lots of tinsel fa-la-la la-la la la la la

Or something like that... right?

Here's the thing, I don't celebrate Christmas. Why? Because I'm Jewish. Which seems like a pretty valid reason, yet the world is still screaming "Merry Christmas" in one ear and overplayed (yet catchy) jingles in the other.

Why can't Chanukkah songs be catchy radio jingles too? Also, why can't anyone agree on how to spell Hannukah?

Now, every few years Chanukah occurs on the same date as Christmas and then it's more festive for the average Jew. But on the years where there's quite a bit of time in between holidays, it's quite anti-climatic. You see, when everyone is celebrating something together, regardless of what it is, everyone is in a much better mood. It's a lot more fun, everyone gets presents at the same time. Double the delicious delicacies.

But on the years when there's a week to two between Hanukah and Christmas... it's kind of awkward...

This year, Channukah started on December 10th, and eight candle lightings later, it ended just a week before Christmas. So, while I celebrate on my own since it's COVID-19 times and I'm the only Jew in the whole tiny town, everyone else went on with their Christmas decorations. Which many have been decorating since the beginning of the month honestly. Why does it take 24 days to decorate for one holiday that lasts like two days? (Don't eat me for that one)

Anyhow, this is probably my first year where I really celebrated the holiday on my own as I don't have a roommate this year. (Although that one's a blessing 100%)

Last year, even though I lived farther away from civilization as I do now, I had still flown into the city to celebrate with my parents. On top of that, I even got to celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas with my girlfriend in another country as the holidays were close enough in date. It was quite a busy time, lighting the first candle with my parents in Toronto and then flying to Mexico to join my girlfriend and her family for Christmas only a day later!

This year though, it was just me and my dog, lighting the Chanukkiah (like a Menorah but not from the old temple and 9 feet of gold). Although, what made this year a bit special was that I was lighting my Chanukkiah that I made in Grade 2; coincidentally, I'm also teaching Grade 2 this year.

I'm not quite sure why I hadn't taken this crafty Chanukkiah with me in the previous years, rather I took a very heavy gold painted one. But I found this one in my parents' basement and knew I wanted to (re)claim it. My mother likes to have many readily available on the holidays, along with a pretty big dreidel collection.

So, this year, I celebrated Hanukah with a random assortment of birthday candles and flimsy wicks as I totally forgot to get enough candles. But it all worked out and I didn't ignite the nearby couch once! I promise.

But back to the main topic, the one where everyone is going crazy for Christmas...

I just finished celebrating a holiday alone, while everyone is gearing up to spend the holiday season with their families, all sitting around great heaps of turkey, ham, stuffing, and more. Candy canes are handed out to the kids to distract them from gifts under decorated trees, and there's hopefully lots of laughter in the air. And I just want to avoid it all.

I don't know if it's jealousy, fatigue, or just general lack of enthusiasm. And I'm not trying to be a Grinch, I promise. I am honestly, really happy for those who get to spend time with their loved ones this year, especially after such a rollercoaster year. The holidays bring hope to people, and I am grateful for that.

Although maybe I want to be a bit like the Grinch in terms of holing myself up at home and avoiding all that cheer. I definitely am tired of humming random Christmas songs accidently (they're too catchy!).

I guess, for all those that are celebrating any holiday with family and/or friends, I hope you have a marvelous time. And for anyone who's kickin' it solo like me and kind of wants to just hide in a cave, we'll get through it. Somewhat together.