slo’s 10/18 WEDNESDAY poll - Hanukkah 12/25/2024

[slo]

Let’s focus on our DIS friends that celebrate Hanukkah today. We all get so focused on Christmas, that we often forget about those that celebrate Hanukkah. Here’s a overview of this Jewish holiday to refresh everyone’s memory.



I had an adult friend many years ago that is Jewish and celebrated Hanukkah. I learned a lot from her and it was fun hearing how her and her family celebrated this holiday. This year Hanukkah starts on December 25th. Give us your beautiful candlelight answer today…..

Do you celebrate Hanukkah?
Does anyone in your family celebrate Hanukkah?
Do you have any friends that celebrate Hanukkah?
(Multiple-choice)

*Many people get annoyed that saying Merry Christmas to others is something that often gets frowned upon. Personally, I understand the reason why - we don’t know if somebody celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or doesn’t celebrate any holiday. I wish Merry Christmas to those, that I know for an absolute fact, is celebrating Christmas. If a stranger has on a Christmas sweatshirt, then I’m pretty certain that they’re going be celebrating Christmas. There’s nothing wrong with saying happy holidays to people because then it covers everybody

*Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate


For Me….. I do not celebrate Hanukkah and nor do I have any family or friends that celebrate Hanukkah. It is a beautiful holiday that is rich in traditions. I’m grateful for the friendship I had with someone 20 years ago that shared her family Hanukkah traditions with me

 

[Meriweather]

We do not celebrate it or know anyone that does

I love hearing about other celebrations.

 

[Micca]

Drawing a blank on anyone I know observing the holiday.

 

[design_mom]

I have a friend who is Jewish. She celebrates Hanukkah. Her husband is not Jewish so her family celebrates both, but I know Hanukkah is the meaningful one for her.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don’t currently know anyone who celebrates Hanukkah!

 

[WDWEPCOT]

I have several Jewish friends so I often wish them happy Hanukkah
Having worked in corporate America for over 30 years I got out of the habit of saying merry Christmas and I wish people happy holidays because you were never allowed to say merry Christmas
When I started my current job which is a very small business I would wish people happy holidays and one of the board members reamed me for saying happy holidays he’s like no you say merry Christmas and I said I am so ingrained with saying happy holidays that I’m gonna have a hard time to get into the habit of saying merry Christmas and he was fuming mad at me Because I did not say merry Christmas I thought I’m not being disrespectful I’m trying to be inclusive because you’re never sure if someone is celebrating Christmas or if they’re celebrating Hanukkah or if they’re just not celebrating at all he was having none of that he’s under the impression that everybody in the world celebrates Christmas so I’m always sure to wish him a merry Christmas but to everybody else I say happy holidays unless I know otherwise

 

[pezgirlroy]

Growing up I kinda had a second family that we spent a great deal of time with and we celebrated all of the major Jewish holidays with them. While we are not Jewish I still explain it to my kids and I hand out gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil) around this time to them.

 

[Kitty 34]

I don’t currently know anyone who celebrates Hanukkah!

this

 

[GAN]

It’s early, but I’m kind of shocked by the number of people that don’t know anyone that celebrates Hanukkah. No Jewish friends? I’m in the northeast so maybe the rest of the country doesn’t have many Jewish families. Just something I’ve never thought about….

 

[Wood Nymph]

We have friends who celebrate Hanukkah. They also get together on Christmas Day with family because there is nothing else to do on the 25th, since most things are closed.

 

[pezgirlroy]

It’s early, but I’m kind of shocked by the number of people that don’t know anyone that celebrates Hanukkah. No Jewish friends? I’m in the northeast so maybe the rest of the country doesn’t have many Jewish families. Just something I’ve never thought about….

I am too actually.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I do not know anyone that celebrates Hanukkah.

 

[GAN]

We have friends who celebrate Hanukkah. They also get together on Christmas Day with family because there is nothing else to do on the 25th, since most things are closed.

They’ll be getting together on Christmas this year for sure…. As Hanukkah begins on December 25th

 

[ronandannette]

I know a couple of families that are Messianic Jews. I think they continue to celebrate the festivals, including Hanukkah. You’ve got me interested now - the next time I see one of them, I’ll ask.

 

[leebee]

I grew up in a Boston suburb; I bet a solid 1/3rd of my friends were Jewish. We had Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur off from public school back in the 60s, there were so many Jewish kids and teachers/subs in our school system. I know many people who celebrate Hanukkah, and have been invited to share several evenings of candle lighting. We have a small menorah that we put up every year in memory of my aunt and uncle, who were Jewish. So yeah, we are aware of/peripherally involved with Hanukkah. Although we celebrate Christmas in our family, we are not religious/Christian any more. In fact, if I were to choose a religion, it'd probably be Judiasim. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

 

[_19disnA]

Have some friends who are Jewish who celebrate Hanukkah. I still think it is polite to respect the traditions of other people/religions/cultures and say "Happy Holidays" to them. I think it would be insensitive knowing they are Jewish to say "Merry Christmas" when we know they don't celebrate it. I never understood the people who don't seem to grasp that.

I am also not offended like some apparently are when out in public and someone working at the doctor/dentist/eye doctor's office or a cashier at a store says 'Happy Holidays' when they aren't sure which holiday you follow.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I don't know anybody who does, but it looks like fun from what I've seen on tv.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We have counted among our best friends a Jewish family and in turn, their friends. For years we celebrated 'Hanamas' together. So many wonderful lifetime memories. We typically alternated houses for the big dinner night. Sadly, the husband and wife, along with 2 of their 3 kids have passed on. Our 2 kids pretty much grew up with their 3 kids. The wife's 3 brothers and her mom have also passed. Her sister moved to Israel probably 20 or more years ago. Their remaining son now lives in Florida. We see him every so often when he comes here to Chicago. We also see some of the extended friends of the couple every so often. Marie just had lunch with several a week or so ago. We really do miss them all, along with our annual 'Honamas' celebrations.

 

[NYCgrrl]

First year in a while that I’m not celebrating the December holidays the way the man did. Not sure if I’m too busy this year or what. Still, I’ll get some potato latkes so DGD can giggle over her Oompah memories while eating.

 

[rlk]

My immediate family celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas because I am Jewish and my husband is Christian. We are both not religious but enjoy the holiday traditions with our children.