General Tso’s Xmas
So what do Jews do on Christmas?
I’m used to answering this question every time December rolls around. Let me begin by saying that many Jews are comfortable with Christmas; it isn’t a holiday we refuse to acknowledge or accept. We don’t mind other people celebrating Christmas. We aren’t offended by a good-natured “Merry Christmas!” (although it may not give us the same warm-fuzzy feeling that you get).
We don’t mind the festive lights or even the inflatable Santas (although please, it’s sometimes over the top). We don’t dislike the thousands of Christmas movies that play non-stop in December (however, it wouldn’t hurt to make a couple Chanukah movies). We don’t object to the Christmas music playing 24/7 in every public place and on many radio stations (although I find other things to listen to). And we’re happy to share your cookies and candy.
There are a number of traditions that Jews can choose from on Christmas and I love that my family partakes in some of them. Eating Chinese food is the ultimate Jewish Christmas tradition. Chinese restaurants are always open on Christmas, and my family loves Chinese food. So this is the best excuse to eat it.
The other main component of a Jewish Christmas is a trip to the movie theater. Like Chinese restaurants, movie theaters are open on Christmas when little else is, and seeing a film is a great way to spend time with family. This year we are seeing The Greatest Showman and I cannot wait! My sister and I have seen the trailer so many times and have already memorized the soundtrack. The Sachers are definitely a “movie family,” but this year we haven’t had the time to watch many movies together. So I’m super excited to have a fun night with my family.
So to answer the burning question of how Jews celebrate Christmas, the simple answer is: See an awesome movie with your family after eating the best Chinese food. And that is the best Christmas anyone could have.
We don’t mind the festive lights or even the inflatable Santas (although please, it’s sometimes over the top). We don’t dislike the thousands of Christmas movies that play non-stop in December (however, it wouldn’t hurt to make a couple Chanukah movies). We don’t object to the Christmas music playing 24/7 in every public place and on many radio stations (although I find other things to listen to). And we’re happy to share your cookies and candy.
There are a number of traditions that Jews can choose from on Christmas and I love that my family partakes in some of them. Eating Chinese food is the ultimate Jewish Christmas tradition. Chinese restaurants are always open on Christmas, and my family loves Chinese food. So this is the best excuse to eat it.
The other main component of a Jewish Christmas is a trip to the movie theater. Like Chinese restaurants, movie theaters are open on Christmas when little else is, and seeing a film is a great way to spend time with family. This year we are seeing The Greatest Showman and I cannot wait! My sister and I have seen the trailer so many times and have already memorized the soundtrack. The Sachers are definitely a “movie family,” but this year we haven’t had the time to watch many movies together. So I’m super excited to have a fun night with my family.
So to answer the burning question of how Jews celebrate Christmas, the simple answer is: See an awesome movie with your family after eating the best Chinese food. And that is the best Christmas anyone could have.