Conversation between Maya and my in-laws (who are not Jewish) at Busch Gardens this weekend:
Maya: Grandpa, do you believe in Santa?
Grandpa: Oh yes!
Maya: Well, I don't. I mean, how could he be real, of course he's pretend.
Grandpa: silence
Repeat with Grandma inserted for Grandpa, and you have that convo as well.
I didn't catch their faces after this discussion, but I do wonder what they thought of it. They have three children, each with children of their own. My kids are the only ones being raised with a faith tradition. As church goers themselves, I think they are happy that my children have a religion and that which religion they have is not an issue. It was just hilarious that they answered Yes! so heartily when she asked them as they surely assumed she also believed in Santa.
I did tell my son that Santa was pretend around the same age, but hadn't gotten around to telling Maya yet. She came to this conclusion on her own. I do propagate the idea of the Tooth Fairy, I'm not opposed to imaginary folks at all. I just know how much SANTA is out there, including in books read daily at Kindergarten, that I just wanted them to know that Santa is a part of someone else's tradition.
For the curious, we take part in Christmas stuff at my in-law's home, and do hang a few ornaments around our own house. When Erik and I were first living together/married we did have a little tree. I love to bake, and there have been many years that I've made a buche de noel for dessert at my il's home. I love all of the craftinesss and foods of Christmas, and I (we) enjoy taking part with Erik's family.
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2 comments:
What a cute story! And I think it is wonderful to partake of others' traditions, eat their foods, and learn about them, so why not do some aspects of Christmas that you enjoy? I certainly will eat a good seder meal if invited. And I never turned down any Hanukkah geldt (though I can't spell it). I really think it's a sign of respect to sincerely enjoy parts of other culture's traditions, and it's a great way to learn.
All well and good, but Christmas doesn't have latkes. I have holiday envy.
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