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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Santa believes in Hanukkah!

As a kid, I never believed in Santa. I was proven right when friends of my parents told me that if I really believed there would be a present for me the next morning (Christmas morning). When I woke up there was nothing. So, HA, I was right.

In my last life I worked with a gal who was Jewish. She grew up thinking that Santa hated all the Jewish kids.I didn't want that for Princess. A couple of years ago I tried to explain to her that there really is no Santa Claus. She looked at me like I had completely lost my mind and told me that of course Santa Claus is real!

I needed to take a different approach and decided to embrace the idea. Last year was the first time that Princess wanted to go see Santa. She had to ask him if he brought presents to the kids who celebrate Hanukkah. Santa informed her that he absolutely did.

This year Princess could hardly wait to go see Santa. She couldn't believe that he wasn't even at the mall yet! Mind you, this was the beginning of November. We needed to go earlier this year because we are leaving on the 4th for Disney World and Hanukkah starts the day after we get back.

Princess sat on Santa's lap and told him what she wanted, but she forgot to tell him that we celebrate Hanukkah. She was very concerned. I told her not to worry that Santa knows everything, so I'm sure he know that. She was quite relieved. In fact, I'm pretty sure Santa has her present ready and waiting for her.

Oh, and for you locals, the real Santa is back at Washington Square Mall this year. Check this guy out! That beard and mustache are real!


15 comments:

Aliceson said...

Of course Santa believes in Hanukkah, he's non-denominational, or at least that's how we celebrate him! Isn't that what this time of year should be, a celebration of whatever works for you? So does Santa come to your house on Hanukkah or Christmas?

I'm sure the big guy in the red suit will be hanging around Disney world too, perhaps Princess will have a chance to tell him about your Hanukkah traditions then...

Shady Lady said...

Good point Aliceson! We'll have to have a talk with him in Disney World.

Santa comes to our house on the first night of Hanukkah while we are all sleeping. His gift is here in the morning, the first day of Hanukkah. All Jewish holidays start at sunset.

Aliceson said...

Very fun! Best wishes for a great family vacation!

Shady Lady said...

Thanks, Aliceson!!! =)

Unknown said...

That is a great Santa. Our favorite local Santa has a real beard too, but he's a very healthy man, so the belly is fake. ;)

Have fun at Disney World!

Shady Lady said...

I do love a real looking Santa!

I'm sitting her wondering if I'll have time to blog from DW...

Tami said...

I grew up as a Christian but I never really thought of Santa as a "religious" figure. Santa was just Santa. And hats off to the Santa who answered Princess with the best answer of all!!! Great story and thank you for sharing.

Shady Lady said...

I have to admit, I was a little uptight about Santa. I think that is from the way I was brought up. I've become way more easy going. I like it this way. :)

Zayna said...

Santa rocks! The pics are adorable, look at her little face. :)

5orangepotatoes said...

Ohhhhh I love that second shot! Love how you put Santa into your traditions. Really hard not to love the big guy no matter what you celebrate.

Disney is going to be so beautifully lit up for the holidays. What a great trip that will be!

lisa

Shady Lady said...

She is a cutie, isn't she? I always take my own picture, using my camera phone, when we go see Santa. This time at the exact moment I went to snap the picture, my phone rang. Ugh. Still, I was able to get these shots.

We hadn't even thought about the fact that Disney would be all decked out for the holidays. We were just thinking that it wouldn't be too crowded since kids would still be in school. Can't wait to see all the lights! Bonus!!!

5orangepotatoes said...

Oh and I wanted to tell you that my girls refuse to sit on Santa's lap. They find it odd to sit on a strange man's lap. I only have one picture of them.....crying about the whole situation. They just roll their eyes at me when I ask them if they will do it this year.

lisa

Shady Lady said...

Lisa, that is so funny! Princess cried and/or refused up until last year. Now she is more than happy to sit on his lap. After all, he isn't a stranger to her, he IS Santa!

GinaG said...

Very Nice! I agree, Santa is for everyone who needs him. :) Unfortunately my older kids spilled the beans to my youngest so there is no more Santa at our house although the kids still leave out a plate--only now it is for their Dad (beer and cupcakes anyone?).

Thanks for sharing. I love learning how others celebrate the various holidays.

Shady Lady said...

Beer and cupcakes....ewwwww!