One of the very first things people ask me after they find out I’m Jewish is, “Don’t you get sad that you don’t get to do Christmas?” My answer? Nope! I mean, I can’t say I don’t feel deprived that I never got to play the whole ‘Santa’s-coming-down-the-chimney-tonight-let’s-leave-him-milk-and-cookies’* game as a kid, but I still get to enjoy Christmas. But for different reasons to most of you.
So here are the 7 reasons this Jewish girl loves Christmas:
CHEAP FLIGHTS ON DECEMBER 25
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While you’re all enjoying delicious meals and engaging in some serious banter with your family members, I can take advantage of cheaper airfares, guilt-free. Sure, I’m very, very jealous, but I’m also going on holiday, so I don’t feel that terrible.
I DON’T HAVE TO START SAVING IN JUNE
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Buying presents for your parents, siblings, grandparents, godchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours on a yearly basis is an incredibly expensive (and exhausting) exercise. All I have to invest in is the office Kris Kringle, which brings me to…
KRIS KRINGLE
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As a Jew who doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a tree and all the trimmings, the office Kris Kringle is literally the most exciting thing ever. I get to use Christmassy wrapping paper and ribbon and buy a cool card. And then I get a gift in return. It’s the greatest. Even if I end up getting a stapler from the cleaner.
WATCHING LOVE ACTUALLY ON REPEAT
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There is no better Christmas-theme movie than Love Actually, and come December, it’s guaranteed to be screened at least once. So obviously I record it and watch it until Australia Day rolls around.
THE MAKE-UP PACKS!
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Christmas is about giving gifts, and there is no gift a woman loves more than a pretty make-up kit or palette. That’s why most beauty brands release beautiful packs at this time of year. So I’m eternally grateful for this holiday and the opportunity to buy such wonderful presents for myself.
These are a few of my faves this year. You know, for my office Kris Kringle:
Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick
Natio Double Smoothie Gift Set
Nars Laguna Orgasm Duo, $56, mecca.com.au
Ulta3 Eye Shadow & Blush Palette
THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
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I know most offices are closed anyway, but getting two free holiday days is just the icing on the Christmas-coloured cake.
I STILL HAVE EIGHT DAYS OF HANNUKAH
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Another reason to not cry for me – Hannukah is a Jewish festival that falls very close to Christmas and it involves eating lots of chocolate gold coins, playing with driedels (which are basically spinning tops) and indulging in deep-fried latkes (the Jewish equivalent of hash browns). Oh, and there are lots of candles involved. So I don’t miss out on the festivities altogether!
There you have it, I still get Christmas. It’s just a little different to yours…
Twentieth Centure Fox/via giphy.com
* What I’ve learnt from movies. I have no idea if this is an actual, real thing.
What do you love about Christmas time? What’s your favourite thing about the silly season?
