Last year Tamy wrote:
Establishing New Traditions While Honoring Old Ones
By Tamy Cohen (mom of Sadie morning WW and daughter of Barbara “Bapa” Polland
You’ve raised an issue that is a topic in our home this year also.
Our daughter, Sadie, is now starting to ask Santa questions.
My husband grew up in a Modern-Orthodox family, and mine was Reformed, so we are having to find our way with our commitment to Judaism and this Santa issue. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a home where I was able to have the Santa fantasy. It made me feel like we were joining in a collective experience. Throughout the year, my mom would take notes about kind things my brother and I did. The idea was my mom/Santa became a secret observer of instances that seemingly went unnoticed. On Christmas morning my brother and I would get a typed letter from Santa, talking about all of these things he had noticed. I was always surprised that he knew so much. I felt so seen and appreciated as I read each year’s letter. I have identified with, and felt proud of being a Jew my entire life. Having this sweet connection with Santa in no way diminished my connection with the Jewish religion. Sadie is looking forward to eight glowing nights of our Hanukkah celebrations.
Somewhere before December 25th, I am hoping my husband will agree to a minimal and magical touch of Santa in our home. Wish me luck! : )
Here’s update for this year:
Last year’s holiday dilemma actually worked out quite well.
We even managed to squeeze in a visit from Santa himself.
It was affirming for Marc to realize that we could have a touch of
Santa magic, and Sadie still remained clear in her mind that we are Jewish.
It went so well that we were lucky enough to get the Easter Bunny
to visit, also. Sadie did wonder why the giant bunny had socks like Daddy!