Monday, December 05, 2005

Bah Humbug!

I hate shopping at this time of the year because it makes me see how truly divided we really are in this country. At this time of the year it is all about X-Mas. Anywhere you go that you have to interact with a human you will hear "Merry Christmas" or "Have You Finished Your X-Mas Shopping Yet" etc. Too many people assume that the only celebration, if any at this time, is X-Mas.

Finding holiday items is a major chore. Can you believe that in this very big city that I live in only 2 stores carry Hanukkah items? TWO! Those 2 stores would be Party City and Bed, Bath and Beyond. The selection is very small but at least it is there. Actually, there is a third place - our synagogue gift shop.

Now my fellow Jews may argue with me and remind me that Hanukkah is not even a big holiday for us Jews. I know, I agree BUT - I have a 7 year old and I like the idea of a winter celebration of lights. It is a truly beautiful and wonderful time for the family to come together.

If I want Hanukkah stuff, I have to glean what little I like from the local stores and then go online to get the rest. How unfair is that?

I have started going in to stores, that I don't even shop at, and asked the sales people where the Hanukkah section is. The responses vary from "huh?" to "What" or to "I don't think so" or "we only carry X-mas stuff because it is more popular!" Cost Plus, one of my favorite stores used to carry a great supply of Hanukkah stuff. Since their remodel, they don't carry anything anymore. Today I asked the manager at Cost Plus why they don't carry it. She gave me some stupid answer.

I then realized that it was selfish of me to think that I was being deprived of Hanukkah stuff since I have seen absolutely no Kwanzaa, Diwali, Ramadan or other winter holiday stuff around. Why, in our very diverse city, in our very diverse state and in our very diverse country is this the case??? I WANT TO SPEND MY $ JUST LIKE THE NEXT PERSON!!!
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tell it to Fox News. There is certainly no "War Against (a very merry commercial)Christmas" in Modesto. Kjerring Mot Strommen

6:28 AM
Dree said...

I agree with you about the lack of diversity in holiday decor. However, I think that some of those other holidays don't need gaudy electric lights and inflatable lawn ornaments to make them special. I mean, really, would you want a blow-up menorah on your lawn? If I were you, I'd be grateful that Hanukkah isn't wrapped up in commercialism. I celebrate Christmas, and I think there is an overabundance of crap out there. Less is more. Simpler is better.

But it is a shame for your little one to have to feel excluded from the fun of decorating because stores don't sell things for Hanukkah. Good luck with your hunt for decorations, and happy holidays!

5:02 PM
Msabcmom said...

I really don't want that inflatable menorah. Especially with the increase in electricity!!!
:-)
I think it might be nice though to find a set of Hanukkah dishes at Target or some interesting theme Menorahs at Cost Plus etc. I once saw Hanukkah toilet paper at someone's house. That was TOO much - GROSS!

The things I really like about Hanukkah are eating latkes, being with the family and watching the candles burn in the menorah. Each year I buy a new one. We have a rather large island in our kitchen and I display them all there on the counter and light them all. It is so beautiful to see the candles shine.

5:48 PM

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