A Lightweight Festival

I haven't been writing but I've been super busy doing just about everything else. And with the holiday season in full bloom, I've even set aside time to be thankful for all that I have and to think about how I can add light to this world.

Of course, I think I deserve a light-bringing medal for the two children I have. But I could probably do some other great stuff too.

To be honest, I am having some issues with this holiday. In the original Chanukah story, one small jug of oil, enough to burn a candle for just one day, lasted an entire eight days! Hear that? The same small bit of oil used up over e...i...g...h...t l...o...n...g days.

Let's talk about the modern day Chanukah story. Google "Exxon Oil Spill" for the complete details. 'Cause folks? That's pretty much the amount of oil that is being used over these eight artery-clogging days. Are we trying to make the miracle one about surviving the latke and donut intake? I must be missing something.

And the money. Oh my. We discussed rights and liberties in my classroom this week. And a student stood up and said, "Children have the right to receive Chanukah gelt." I couldn't get past the sputtering stage to teach her a life-impacting lesson.

Remind me again what the purpose of Chanukah gelt is? I always thought it was about rewarding our children for their efforts in learning. Forgive me if I missed the memo on creating pretentiousness as the ultimate goal. My daughter received a quarter on the first night of Chanukah. And frankly, she was devastated when she came to learn that there was no wrapper, the coin could not open, and that adults think real money is better than chocolate. The next night she got both a chocolate one and a real one. (And the fact that she hinted to not being my friend anymore unless the aforementioned happened, had nothing to do with it.)

I'm just trying make Chanukah fun. And educational. And heart healthy.

The holiday of Chanukah is one of triumph of the weak over the mighty. The victory of light in the face of darkness. As a mother I am aiming for the victory of remaining calm when anger is so close and easy, and finding ways to raise and praise my children even when Time Out is so tempting. And trust me, it's tempting.

I am also going to redefine for my children what exactly makes me proud. For example, when you tell me that you didn't do something insane, dear daughters, that doesn't make me proud. Mostly it just frightens me.

"Mommy, I took off my sheet all by myself. And I didn't cut it, or rip it, or ruin it. You're so proud, right? Right?!"

Wrong. Wrong!! Actually, WAIT! I'm very glad that you didn't destroy an innocent sheet, but I'm also freaking out a bit over here. Is it really a struggle for you not to cut up everything in sight? You know what? Let's just move on. We've been through worse.

Wishing a Happy Festival of Lights to all! And may it also be a Lightweight Festival.

Amen.