December 24th

This date brings out the Jewish mother in me. I can't help it, it does every year. I don't believe this is the night Messiah was born, but I can't say with anywhere near 100% certainty that I agree with other specific date claims, either. I do believe he was born in the autumn, through the month of High Holy Days, and probably on one of the major feast days. That, however; is not the point of this blog tonight. The Queen of England doesn't officially celebrate her birthday on the actual day, because of potentially inclement weather, but again that's not the point of my blog, either. The point is, if in fact, tonight is intended to honor his birth, why is it celebrated as it is? That's where things get a bit muddled. Now, to be honest, I'm truly sick of both sides of the religious argument at Facebook. I've offered a couple of comments when discussion has been invited regarding a Christmas tree, and the ensuing explanations following. I've even been told off and unfriended by devout Christians, over the holiday tree debate. I've listened to people discuss gifts for their family members to be opened tonight and tomorrow and I think to myself, "Do you buy gifts for this entire crowd on every family birthday?" I'm not asking that question, other than here, but I used to tell my kids something to that effect.
Santa Claus at the manger particularly bugs me, but I'm sure my sukkah doesn't meet everyone's standards, either! I guess, I just see this as two different religions celebrating days that are important to them, so back my Jewish mother Christmas syndrome.
I believe the Son of G-d did come to earth, but I cannot stand the thought that this is supposed to be a celebration for him, while it's about everything else . . . Oh I know, Jesus is the Reason for this Commercial Season. And Santa on one knee at the manger, clearly makes the priority statement. An angel on top of the tree yields the possible connection, I suppose, to the angels appearing to the shepherds in the field.
My heart is simply not in all the religious sorting. My thought is if the whole religious world is going to call this his birthday and even the atheists and agnostics are celebrating Christmas, then I have to do this.
I have to bake a spice cake, because that's as close to gold, frankincense, and myrrh, I dare cook with and treat this like a birthday for him. It just breaks my heart to think of a cute little boy standing there, and I know it's not age appropriate to him, but yet it is to teach our kids. There is no tree, there are no other gifts, there is no Santa or reindeer, or mistletoe. There's a cake, and a Happy Birthday song, and no there are not 2000+ candles . . .
He deserves to be the guest of honor on what everyone is calling his birthday.