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31-DAY CHALLENGE
Day Twelve: Your least favourite thing about the holidays
It isn’t what you think.
On December sixteenth, nineteen sixty-one, a child came into this world. She was special and wanted — that infant was me. As I grew, I learned about my Jewish heritage and always enjoyed the celebrations that came with it because our family gathered. The holiday parties I remember best centred on Chanukah.
The Jewish holiday was a time of festivity, celebration, and good cheer. And mostly, Chanukah was kind to me as a child, as I enjoyed generous helpings of latkes, spun dreidels, and received a present in its honour. But while it was a time for family and bonding, unfortunately, I still felt cheated.
It might have gone unnoticed if my brother hadn’t celebrated his birthday in April. My brother had a birthday party, a cake, candles, and received presents. Gifts came from many to highlight his special day. It made sense. When Chanukah rolled around at the end of the year, my brother tore open holiday wrapping paper and revealed his gift, but this is where our story differs. People get lazy or cheap when you celebrate your birthday and Chanukah in the same month, and they often roll the gift-giving into one.
