Reindeer

As part of my divorce settlement I 'lost' my prized sterling silver "tree of life" menorah that I had registered for as a newly converted jew. So my first winter holiday season as a single woman, I bought new menorahs for the kids and for myself (brass and acrylic - not sterling silver) and also some over-the-top Christmas reindeer that stood on my lawn and glowed with hundreds of tiny lights. That was the first year in over 10 that I had a Christmas tree and played Christmas music, over and over.

I don't identify with any particular religion (I probably lean the most towards mysticism) but I love the traditions I've picked up over the years. Our family celebrates Hanukkah without fail and Winter Solstice is a very holy time at our house, and Christmas brings joy for the kids as well as rich sensory pleasure for me. I love the music and the lights! Both Andy and I had less than stellar holidays as children and it feels so healing to create new traditions together. Andy was the one who first put up my reindeer and marveled at my childlike pleasure at the sight of them. Every year now he puts them up for me the weekend after Thanksgiving, and I am grateful that he indulges me and touched by the devotion to this tradition we have created.