What am I Doing for Christmas?

I look forward to the time when I might volunteer to work the holiday as opposed to working for the time and a half. I would certainly trade xmax for thanksgiving.

Amazing after so many years the same issues. Christmas and Chanukah have nothing to do with each other. And while I don't expect Christians to know our religion, it pains me that Jews do not know how to answer, and seem to be ashamed. We have no need to be embarrassed of our celebrations, ever.

"Being Jewish" is the perfect answer to everyone who asks me what I'm doing for Xmas. I'm sure many will not understand why I can't do both, but I will not stand there and explain. I will just smile kindly.

Jews think that because Hanukah comes on the 25th of the month it must be the Jewish counterpart to Xmas. But the real counterpart to the December season comes in the autumn, when we invite family, friends, and strangers to our festive tables, when those who never go to services suddenly fill the shuls to bursting, when we wish each other a Good Year, and when we get out the greenery and decorate...no, not a tree that we gather round, but a sukkah that surrounds US. This to us is THE time of year when GD IS NEAR. Instead of promoting huge menorahs at city hall (or elsewhere) in December, we need to promote beautifully decorated sukkot on the public lawns, and build our own personal sukkahs in the FRONT yard for all to admire. A Christian once asked, "If Rosh HaShanah is the Jewish Near Year, then when is the Jewish Xmas?" A silly question, of course. But it has a reply: the Jewish "Xmas" is Sukkot, when we are surrounded by the mitzvah--surrounded by the Shkhinah--surrounded by HaShem. Just because there are no special Christian festivals in October (except, heaven help us, Hallowe'en), we neglect to mention that there IS a HUGE Jewish holiness at the autumn equinox and we celebrate it BIGTIME. Just as the Xmas season lasts about a month or more, the High Holy Day/Sukkot season lasts nearly a month. Instead of getting, as a friend said, "all Jewed out" over so many weeks of festivities, let's glory in the fact that we, too, have a huge festive season, and let everybody know about it. Maybe some of them will even send us greeting cards during OUR festive time, instead of at their own festive time. Getting a Hanukah card (much less a Happy Holidays card or an Xmas card) is like someone sending me a Happy Birthday card on his own birthday and not on my own birthday.

Well Put

I like this website and the jewish history .thanks

In the 50's I went to public school and all plays in our grade school included Chanukah as well as Christmas songs and stories. This led to debates as to which holiday was better. The Jewish children contended that Chanukah is better because it lasts 8 days and we can get presents all 8 days and eat special Chanukah foods all 8 days. Public places displayed Menorahs as well as Christmas trees.

From most of the responses to this article one begins to see why religion can be so problematic. Indeed Jeff's tone seems to be one of annoyance and angst when it comes to Christmas and possibly Christianity. If this is true then I find it very sad. There are people of other faiths in this world and that is something we must all learn to live with. Where I live various faiths visit my home often. I welcome them, smile and thank them for coming. I tell them I appreciate their willingness to "share" their message with me, but respectfully, I am not interested. If it is a faith that is new to me, and I have the time, I may listen politely for a while to hear what it is all about before saying my "no thanks". Most of the time the person, if they have any manners, will also say a polite thank you and move on. The reason why I behave like this is because I have my own "faith" to "share" and I am happy when people are polite and respectful and not think I am some selfish fiend simply because I believe in God in a way that they don't or want to present an alternative way of viewing spiritual reality. To the question "what are you doing for Chanukah" my answer would be "nothing, I do not celebrate Chanukah." "What are you planning to do?" "Good for you"! And on the matter of superiority of "faiths" do not all faiths claim to be the One? What would be the point of of spending your life committed to some particular understanding of the Creator, if one did not feel that was The Way? Do not observant Jews believe or feel that Judaism is at least a "better" way of understanding the Creator?

This article, like most of Jewlarious, was a humorous look at an (almost) universally shared experience amongst Jews in America. How often have you been asked "What are you doing for Chanukah?" Perhaps the tone, and humour, would be clearer if you got the ive-never-seen-a-five-headed-goat-before look 30 times a day, every day, for a month (or two months now), when you say "nothing". This has nothing to do with "spiritual realities" or "superiority" or any of your block of questions. (Though, to answer very briefly, we as Jews aren't concerned about which way is "better". Judaism, unlike Christianity, holds that the righteous of all peoples have a place in what you would call "heaven", and in fact it' easier to be righteous if you're not Jewish... you only have 7 commandments. The questions aren't answerable as they are predicated on false premises, in the same way as the question "have you stopped beating your dog yet".) This article wasn't throwing down a gauntlet at anyone. It made us laugh at our aggravation. Thanks Jeff!

I remember once discussing how many co-workers would ask "Are you ready for Christmas?" A friend suggested saying, "About as ready as I'm gonna be." I have used it ever since (not only for Christmas - but Halloween or any event I'm not involved with). Amazingly, it has never provoked any follow-up inquiries. It's not offensive and it works. Try it.

As a Jew living in the bible belt, I've had all those questions and more. Thank you for the article. I laughed out loud! Our family tradition is movie and Chinese food too. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays as everyone else is busy and I have my children home. We spend the day as a family and love it.

I was raised Catholic and converted to Judaism. We were told that Christmas is considered a national holiday, so it was o.k., Jewishly speaking, to celebrate a national holiday; this was to answer the question, to celebrate or not, since the familes we were raised in, would, but do converts continue to join in? Yes. If you wanted to; this is a conservative point of view. I resepct both holidays, but Chanukah has all but disappeared, in So. Orange County where I live, and Christmas is mostly commercialism. I am exhausted by all the jingles, sales pitches, catchy songs that tell us to buy,buy,buy. Does it come from the heart or pocketbook? I personally believe in One God, Hashem, but it seems that what most Christians want is to make sure that everyone believes like they do and one of the things I love about Judaism, is that it's enough to be the best you can be with in you're own faith and I don'tr have to "bring in the sheep', to win pointa in heaven. If we could just be happy with who we are or go discovering if we're interested in more, it would make a world of difference in the quest for peace and joy. Or if people would just share their believes without the manipulation (and thus, deception) of converting others to their way of thinking, we would be spared the displeasure of forced conformity and would thus enjoy any holiday, each safe in his or her own conviction; free from condemnations. That will be when the lion lays down with the lamb...and a child leads them; a messianic era will begin....

I wish I had thought of that line: "being Jewish" today and all the other years of my life. Too many times I have been asked that question by well meaning friends, who may or may not have known that I am Jewish.

A high school friend of mine didn't quite understand how little Christmas means to Jews until she asked me what I was going to do that day. I replied that if the weather was nice my dad and I were going to change the oil in the car, maybe give it a tune up. I could see the sudden understanding in her face.

Celebrating my late father-in-laws birthday.

In this day of agnostic America, most people do not associate Christmas with christians. They assume that it is celebrated by Hindu, Islam, basically everyone including Jews. I do not take offense at being questioned, but do feel saddened at their total lack of knowledge.

I used to get asked at my gym, what I was doing for Easter. The owner asked me and I used a similar answer to yours-When she forot and asked me the next week-I answered "Stll Jewish."

i loved the answer of mr.jeff danis ;here in porto alegre,brazill,south ,many people ask me the same question,most off them celebrates christmas because they are catholics and i always say:nothing ,i spend my holidays resting or doing something nice...that`s it.

I was born and raised in Broklyn New York, and being Jewish was nothing spectacular, then we moved to California and I became an outsider because we didn't celebrate Christmas, even had other kids looking for my horns when they found out I was Jewish, was wondering is it might have been the water they drank, oh well that's my story.

Mitzvot Day - that's what we are doing for Christmas. Filling in for the charities (homeless shelters, animal shelters, etc) stuffed with people who DO celebrate Christmas and would like to go home to family/take a break for that one day. Check out the programs near you.

SusanE, Very well said!! I think your outlook is a very "gracious" one. :) If I lived in Iraq and someone asked what I was doing for Kwanzaa and Ramadan, I wouldn't be offended - I would simply realize it was "normal" to be asked this in a mostly Muslim country, and I would think it kind of someone to inquire. I would respond in a friendly manor, stating that I don't celebrate, but would in turn, ask how they were celebrating. America was founded on Christian values, and these days, a lof of people celebrate Christmas that aren't even Christian. Christmas is what happens in America - most people aren't trying to offend anyone when they say Merry Christmas or ask what you're doing.... they're just being friendly. I think if people try to understand this, everyone (Jews & Christians) will be a lot happier. :) I do like the response, "I am being Jewish." hehe ....so long as it's said with grace and good-humor (i.e. unoffended!). :)

Having converted to the Jewish ways, I never knew the pressures they had. I was always one to greet customers with "Merry Christmas". I feel ashamed to have forced my views on others out of ignorance. To those who have endured such pressure, please forgive my ignorance, and thank you for putting up with those who are ignorant, and answering the questions with grace and a smile. I have much to learn from you, and I love the comment "Being Jewish" that is a classy answer.

I love that question because when I'm asked it I just reply, "Nothing, I'm Jewish!" I'm not ashamed of being Jewish and I certainly don't celebrate Christian holidays. If someone seems to take affront at my answer I just grin and say, "Roses are reddish, violets are bluish; if it wasn't for Christmas, we'd all be Jewish, have a great day."

I ignore the question. Today on Xmas, I watched NCIS, ate steak, cut firewood, and and ate cookies. That's what I do for Xmas.

People ask each other What are you doing for Christmas?, all the time. It's what is done. They don't mean for us to tell them how we worship or how we cook or do we give gifts. It's a Holiday from work for everyone and a holiday from school and music and glitzy everything. People of all religions find something to do at this time. Why be defensive? When Green Card Holders are asked What are you doing for the Fourth of July?, it isn't meant as an insult. One isn't expected to answer with a list of their freedoms and their feelings of Independence". A simple answer of having a cookout or watching fireworks, or visiting relatives would be sufficient. When people ask what I am doing over Easter, they simply are looking for an answer like " I am going down to my daughters, or I thought it would be a good time to start spring cleaning. They aren't asking for a religious answer, because it usually isn't a pointed question. Methinks someone is way too sensitive.

What to do on xmas for Jews is very different from what to do on Yom Kippur for non-Jews. I dread xmas every year because....there is NOTHING to do. At least where I live there is nothing to do because NOTHING IS OPEN. If one is a non-Jew, then nothing is different about whatever day Yom Kippur falls on. Stores, businesses,restaurants, etc are all open their usual hours. But for a Jew on xmas there is no work, no going out to eat (where I live anyway), no non-Jew friends to get together with, no movies to see. Not really anything to even watch on tv, unless I feel like watching xmas programs, which I don't. I'm a single Jew and I live in a rural area with few Jews. So, it's a very boring day. I like to come to Aish.com to study some Torah or read interesting articles. And take lots of naps. lol But there is a very big difference between the holidays for Jews and non-Jews. And I, too, now have an answer to the endless question. I am being Jewish. Something to think about.

I am a convert to Judaism and one of the most curious things I have observed is how much effort Jews put into "what they are going to do on Christmas." I always ask them why they have to do anything. You don't have to go to a movie and you don't have to eat Chinese food. In all my years as a Christian (many of which were spent as an ordained minister) I never once heard any Christians sitting around trying to decide what they were gong to do on Yom Kippur, Passover, or Chanakuh. I think it is also important to remember that America, for the most part, is a Christian country and just as you would expect Israel (except for say Bethlehem) to be a haven away from the celebration, it is only natural that America would be the best place for Christian expression of this holiday which is important to their religion. If you are really bothered by people asking the question of what you are doing for Christmas, you could always make a little sign for your desk that says "I am Jewish and I do not celebrate Christmas. Or you could get a tee shirt imprinted with those words. I think after a while people will get the message and before long they won't ask you what you are doing on Christmas or any other day.

Like a good Jew I go and ski every Christmas. The mountains are nice and empty.

My mother had a thought provoking reply for Christians who asked her what she did on Christmas. She said:" The same thing you do on Chanukah". Then the questioner would always say "nothing". Then my mother would say " that's what I do on Christmas".

im chewish, so when i go with my dad for christmas my my mom and my stepdad go to the movies....one in the morning, lunch, one in the afternoon, dinner, and one after dinner. FUN!:-D

However, its the Christmas cards from an oblivious neighbor that really get me going. This is what happened to the Elam mishpocha on the 5th night of Chanukah this year. A little boy and his brother rang my door bell. To do this they had to walk passed my Chanukiah burning in a glass display on the steps. Their parents were waiting patiently at the curb in the family car. The sweet little fellows were spreading Christmas cheer. They handed me a gift bag with cookies and candy including a personalized Christmas card with family photo and bio. Turns out they live on the same bock. We decided to give them a Chanukah package. My wife made latkes for them. Then I signed our names to a Chanukah card. We made two little gift bags with candy and sufganiot. I typed an explanation of Chanukah. My son through in a draydel and some gelt with directions on how to play. We promptly delivered our holiday package to their front door, latkes steaming. We haven't heard from them yet. It just seemed like the thing to do at the time. Our hopes are high for cultural understanding.

I'll be doing my cooking for Shabbos, just like every Friday!

i'm volunteering on christmas with about 10 other jewish young adults. it's the best way to spend what would usually be a wasted day!

I'm Jewish, therefore I celebrate Chanukah. I don't expect others to celebrate my holiday, why should we celebrate theirs. We should show respect but celebrate our own.

Ahhhhh.........you should try and navigate this as a non-Jew who is trying to live according to Torah Sheva Mitzvot. I know the people are asking with a good heart.....but when I tell them I celebrate Chanukah instead, I am regarded as a two-headed alien, OR, Baruch Hashem, it opens conversation for a teaching moment. Believe it or not, gentiles have no idea how pagan the sources of this practice really are. Sadly, information does not always change a thing. Even my own grown children still celebrate (I raised them this way, did not know better at the time), so you can imagine, this subject alone has really caused a lot of hurt in the family, especially with the grandchildren. But, Baruch Hashem, this is the chapter we are in now, and I hope to live to see the day when Moshiach makes himself known, and the world turns right side up again.

Cruising on xmas week is a great experience and you'll meet lots of like-minded Jews.

I am very biased, personally. I absolutely do NOT like this christian holiday. For me it is a mix of pagan festivities, and misrepresentation - Moshiah is not yet here, and our world needs to be healed. It is great that a lot of Peoples use this this as a way of being with family, but to me, it holds infinite number memories of not "fakeness", and pure..Emptiness - it means nothing to me, even when surrounded by many excited Christians, and societal currents, it simply is another day, I will clean my room I think, organize my closet.

"I think that's my day to do Yeshiva carpool..." LOL!!

"what are you doing for christmas is what people mean to ask what are you doing from dec 15-jan1. Vacation? Going to the movies? Dinners with friends?Skiing? Really NOT a religious question...

I am very lucky to work for a Jewish School and when I get that question I say "working." I love "being Jewish" though, that is my new line... Thanks

I do believe I have a Chumash test... Very wonderful article. Sometimes it takes a joke to really get an important message across.

When someone wishes me a merry chrismas, I just respond, "happy holidays"; they mean well, and so what if they are curious. You can satisfy their curiosity and still be polite. In fact, who said other religions were wrong anyway. Maybe for them it is the right choice. Maybe they needed a "middle man" (the son, or whatever) to approach G-d, while we Jews always have a direct connection. I say, be happy for others, while celebrating your own special way with G-d.

Thanks Leah - Our family is also Christian, and because of the pagan origin we also don't celebrate Christmas. I even have a hard time explaining to my Jewish friends why we don't celebrate Christmas, and believe me, Christian friends are a problem! Nothing will change our minds however. Christmas is an insult to God.

I am 80yrs old and have been getting tired of the question. I answer "Chanukah has been celebrated long before Christmas,) especially when they seem to think that Chanukah is the same as their Christmas. Bravo Jeff Davis, now I will use your line. "Being Jewish" Bea

so many non-christans celebrate Christmas that it's easy for people to think that everyone celebrates it. But "being Jewish" is a great answer! Love it.

I plan on watching "It's a Wonderful Life" after getting home from my Daf Yomi shiur.

I am constantly being asked to join in the Christmas celebrations. I have had many ways to decline, trying to be respectful. when people are worried about me being alone for the Christmas holidays. This is the best answer I have ever heard. It is from this moment on going be my answer. "Being Jewish" Simple and straight forward.. Thank YOU.

I am sure Eric appreciates where he is. I know him well. My new Dentist knows I am of the persuasion but I couldn't leave his office without 4 different marry you know whats. After a root canal with no insurance no less lol. I know they mean well but oh do I miss not being pummeled by it all.

I am Christian and I don't celebrate Christmas. It's pagan, and once I learned the pagan roots and the history, I stopped celebrating. I get the same questions, except it's really weird to people that as a Christian, I don't celebrate Christmas. I found out about the pagan roots through a Jewish website article, by the way.

Here, December is midsummer and is the prime holiday period. All the businesses close and everyone goes on their annual holiday to the seaside or elsewhere. You don't have to be Christian to have the holiday feeling. Companies have "yearend" parties. The public hoilidays are welcomed by all of us to enjoy the great SA outdoors. BTW, even our shiul struggles for a minyan because everyone is away on holiday.

friend of Eric's from Israel, I remember those days, maybe you could tell them that actually the holiday spirit is from the light brought down into the world from the miracles of Chanuka and is especially apparent this time of year and that their holiday is surfing on this wave of light and actually is a futile attempt to discredit the brit and the special soul and role of Israel, or not? :)

Great article! In a recent conversation: "Oh, you don't celebrate christmas ...but you still get a christmas tree, right?"!!! ARGH!!! What is wrong with these morons?

I like the humor, I hope to see more articles from you on this site. And good luck in your big-stakes dreidel tournament! :)

We are obligated to educate the ignorant...why not share why we do not celebrate 'their' holiday...and that Chanukah is NOT the Jewish Christmas...and that we have so many important AND FUN holidays...many truly do want to know

Nice article, good humor, and still gets the message across.