Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Although it is a national holiday in the US, there are many people who do not celebrate this holiday. As a parent, how do you handle the questions and situations that arise when your child asks “why do my friends celebrate Christmas and we don’t?” Here are some parenting tips for families who don’t celebrate Christmas.
As a Jewish parent, I find it particularly upsetting that many people feel that Hanukkah is a “Jewish Christmas.” Hanukkah has nothing to do with Christmas. Hanukkah is the celebration of keeping the light of our faith alive and passing it on to younger generations. Jewish parents need to develop a love of faith in their children and you can explain to them that Christmas is a Christian holiday. Take this time to help them understand that you understand how the media hype around Christmas may have confused them, but there are plenty of people who don’t celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is a great time to discuss diversity with your children. It is a fabulous time to reaffirm with them the beliefs and values of your family. Let your kids know how you feel about this religious holiday being a national holiday and take a look at all the media hype around it. You can discuss whether it is really a religious holiday or if it has become a retail holiday like Mother’s Day.
You can also take this time for tzedakah (charity) and give it to those in need. If a financial donation is not possible, you can always help out at an interfaith food bank or soup kitchen. Using this time off from school and work for the purpose of helping and giving to the poor is one way to show your children how to make this time special while maintaining their religious beliefs. If you are in Brooklyn NY see if Masbia is open and donate time to serve meals.
How do you prepare your children to handle questions from Christian friends about why your family doesn’t celebrate Christmas? This can be tricky. Some of these children can be very rude. I can’t tell you how many times Christian kids try to proselytize non-Christians with their faith. Dealing with this can be difficult. Explain to your children that this is how these children were raised and they don’t realize they are being rude. Teaching them tact and how to respond to these questions politely is a skill to give them. You can show them through your words and actions how to approach this situation. We meet socially with the parents of these children, so it is important to set a good example.
Using the tips above for families who don’t celebrate Christmas should help your children understand the diversity of humanity and perhaps teach them a little tolerance for those who are different.
