Haven't blogged in a while...who knew juggling 3
different blogs would be so difficult? With my efforts on other class blogs and
even more importantly our campaign my focus has been out of balance.
Anyways...as December 8th, the first night of
Hanukkah, approaches I am becoming nostalgic with memories from my childhood
past. 8 nights of lighting candles, potato latkes, chocolate gelt,
prayers and other songs, and even presents.
My family's holiday traditions have changed over
time from when I was a little girl and would get 8 presents for each night, to
now when we just take a family vacation. Regardless of the traditions, I
feel so fortunate for the opportunities the holiday season affords me on a
personal and familial level and in a general sense.
Don't know about Hanukkah, spinning Dreidels and
all? Here's Wikipedia's Explanation of our Jewish
Miracle of a holiday.
The History channel explains this holiday as,
"The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah
commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second
Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their
Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means
"dedication" in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew
calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival
of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah,
traditional foods, games and gifts"
As a conservative practicing Jew myself, who keeps
kosher and all, I love the historical aspects of the holiday; however, it is
truly a time for me to reconnect with family and the symbolism of the holiday.
For me the history translates into evoking many emotions for me
including: belief in miracles, that things are meant to be, never giving up
hope, and holding onto the ones you love.
Ultimately, this year, I want to remember to never
take my family for granted. I want to focus on myself and how I have
grown since each past Hanukkah celebrations. As I am maturing I truly am
becoming more and more sentimental and feel so blessed to be able to gather
with the friends and family I love and celebrate in ways that are indigenous to
my family!
Bottom line? Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah,
Christmas, Kwanza, these holidays have a greater meaning than presents and
Hallmark cards - it's about faith, love, appreciation, and joy. Remember
those who celebrated with you in the past and cherish those who bask in your
happiness with you in the present.
Enjoy your winter breaks whether you're in the sun
or the snow! We all need some rest and relaxation, so use this time to give
yourself a little TLC!
Happy Holidays...start thinking of your new years
resolution too!
xoxo
Crucial moment in my tech-savvy life, I finally tossed away my Blackberry Bold (sorry RIM) and got myself a gently used iPhone4 from a friend - how generous?! I now understand what everyone has been talking about all semester, every single social media app works so much better and is enhanced on the mac software. Now of course, the day after I set up this new cellular device my mother who has had a geriatric flip phone since I was in high school gets the super new iPhone5!
