Even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I still enjoy all things festive and jolly this time of year. But I’ll let you in on what it’s like to be a Jewish person during Christmastime.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
SIMILAR ASOS RED COAT | OLD BOOHOO CLUTCH, some great options | MADEWELL DENIM | SCARF | STRIPED BUTTON DOWN | ROCKSTUD HEELS, OPTION FOR LESS | BAUBLEBAR EARRINGS, more festive styles | LIPS: STILA LIQUID LIPSTICK IN BESO SHIMMER
Photography by Denise Marieko
OUTFIT DETAILS:
SIMILAR ASOS RED COAT | OLD BOOHOO CLUTCH, some great options | MADEWELL DENIM | SCARF | STRIPED BUTTON DOWN | ROCKSTUD HEELS, OPTION FOR LESS | BAUBLEBAR EARRINGS, more festive styles | LIPS: STILA LIQUID LIPSTICK IN BESO SHIMMER
1.Everyone is always wishing me a Merry Christmas. There are the few all inclusive “happy holidays” but I’m always just happy to meet a kind soul who gives out well wishes. I always smile and tell them Merry Christmas right back.
2. I had to get myself an ugly Chanukah sweater. I felt pretty left out, so I found such a perfect Chanukah one! It has Dreidels and cats on it.
3.We celebrate for 8 days, but the timing is always different. While Christmas is on the same day every single year, Chanukah lands on a different day every year. That’s because the Jewish calendar is based on the moon. We are likely as puzzled as you are about when Chanukah actually starts. Google always does the trick.
4.Although Chanukah is technically the “festival of lights” we don’t do the strands of lights on our homes and balconies. My mom likes to decorate with pretty blue and white decorations around the house, but I just like to display my menorahs (you can see my amped-up Chanukah decor here). I don’t have a Chanukah bush, and I honestly don’t know any Jewish friends who do. We DO love seeing all of your Christmas lights and decor! I especially loved seeing the National Tree in DC, Rockefeller Center in NYC, and right now where I’m sitting I can see the huge beautiful tree in Millennium Park.
5.Christmas is such a lovely time for us to relax and go under the radar. Christmas isn’t a big family holiday, but we are essentially kicked out of our workplaces. So we see it as a bonus vacation where we aren’t obligated to do anything in particular. Dan and I love to travel on Christmas. In the past we really loved the Christmas brunch on our Caribbean cruise, the Christmas dancing at the pool in Mexico, and this year we will be in Munich!
6.We sometimes chuckle and feel proud that some of the most popular Christmas culture was actually created by Jewish artists. Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Silver Bells – were all written by Jewish songwriters or lyricists. So we basically wrote the soundtrack to your holiday. You’re welcome!
7.Yes, we really do order Chinese food and go to the movies. Why? Because traditionally those are the only things that are open! Why takeout, though? If you want a reservation at a Chinese restaurant on Christmas then you need to make a reservation really far in advance. Apparently it is such a popular tradition that Christians who are sick of ham and sugar cookies want to do it, too!
***
In honor of the holidays, I’m sharing my holiday look with 14 other style bloggers! I hope you find their looks as inspiring as I do, and feel free to visit their blogs for all the holiday outfit details.
15 Fashion Bloggers talk about their Christmas Outfits + Traditions!
Kristin: “Our last two years in Germany we have had friends and family come visit us for Christmas. This year my husband and I will be enjoying the holiday by ourselves (along with our pup) so we will make a nice dinner at home and pop some champagne. That’s why I’m keeping it casual with a bell sleeve sweater, jeans, and red heels. Happy Holidays, everyone!”
Linda: “This has been my Christmas Day outfit for the last three years. A skirt I found at Winners ( TJMaxx equiv) over a decade ago but on that is timeless. Sometimes I wear it with a black cashmere sweater or with a white lace sweater. I love the festive yet fun look of Santa and the skateboards.
Merry Christmas from my home to yours ( and from Lou too).”
Lizzie: “I love untraditional holiday looks and think this look would be perfect for Christmas Eve! I adore the velvet and sparkle with the unexpected color combo and print.”
Monica: “Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate! Christmas is such a special time for me because growing up we had a lot of traditions in our household and some of those traditions I’ve taken with me in my own home with my fiance and fur babies. I hope everyone has a great Christmas!”
Chrissy: “Christmas morning starts at home in our pjs, but we’ve been known to drop in on family and friends as the day wears on.”
LINDA from A Labour of Life
LEE from Wine and Couture
ADA from Elegance and Mommyhood
SHELBEE from Shelbee on the Edge
–Roxanne
Currently Sipping: Berry Tea from Varieteas
Hi ! I enjoyed reading about your heritage and love the menorah and festive decor. Your red coat is lovely! I always love a red or burgundy coat in my closet for the weather. Happy Holdidays!
thanks for linking! Happy Holidays!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I love hearing about other traditions than Christmas. I loved seeing your decorations and the menorah in your home. I think it’s awesome to know that all those songs were written by Jews! That’s so cool!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Very nice looking very cute
lol the irony of the Christmas songs. Interesting post!
http://www.comfycozyup.com
I’ll bet Indian food is open on Christmas too, that can be a new tradition 😀
I love that you are not offended by Merry Christmas. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas you can still enjoy the well wishes, joy and good feelings that are intended by a Merry Christmas greeting.
Love this post Roxanne. I have a ton of Jewish friends and they all say the same thing, although a lot of them growing up did have a Hanukkah bush. I am glad you are not offended by someone wishing you a Merry Christmas, I always try to be inclusive with a Happy Holidays, but you are right, the well wishes are always appreciated. I hope you had a wonderful Hanukkah with your family and you and Dan have a blast in Munich! Love this look, your shoes are gorgeous!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
So interesting! I was in the hospital at Christmas two years ago and my husband brought two of my snowmen figurines and a little lit (electric) house to help cheer me up. One of my nurses who was from India (she was Hindu) said that her family even puts up a Christmas tree with lights because of the joy of the season. She too said she is never offended when someone wishes her Merry Christmas.
I hope that you have a wonderful trip to Munich! Meghan
This was so fun to read, Roxanne!! Because I do have Jewish friends and I always forget and say Merry Christmas. Luckily they don’t get upset either, because it is the happiness that I’m trying to project!!!
And I never knew that about those songs—how funny!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you, Jodie! I think it is something that a lot of people wonder about, right? I was shocked about all the songs, too! But that all goes to show that we are all more similar than we think.
Roxanne, I think this is my favorite post of all 15 of the holiday outfit posts! You rock! That coat is fabulous and so is your scarf! And I hope you had a very wonderful Chanukah (yes, I had to Google search to see if it was over!) I also wish you safe travels to Munich and hope you make so many amazing memories there!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Google is key! Aw thank you so much, Shelbee. Your comments always brighten my day. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!