As we continued on to walk around the block, we received the same warm welcome from all the neighbors, even ones who were pretty much strangers to us. We were taken to view each family’s tree and examine the many unusual ornaments (sometimes with too lengthy a history of them, which I didn’t mind because I always got a sugar cookie to eat or a toy to play with while I pretended to studiously listen!)
 
When we returned home, I plopped down all the small gifts I had received onto the kitchen table. I felt so happy after such a wonderful time at all the others’ houses. But I quickly became sad again when I looked around our house and it was noticeably devoid of any beautifully wrapped boxes. “Mommy,” I asked, “where are our family’s presents?”
 
Frankly, I was expecting to be disappointed by this Christmas thing again, since it was clear we were not getting any lights or a tree.
 
But I was joyfully surprised when my Mom responded, “That’s the best part of our holiday, Hanukkah. All those other children only get one day of Christmas gifts, but you’ll get gifts for eight days in a row and it begins tonight!”
 
A big smile came across my face as I thought, “Wow, I get to enjoy everyone else’s Christmas and our Hanukkah too!”
 
When I now look back at such times of my youth, and as an adult now see so much fighting, fear and distrust between people of the world - - often in the name of religious differences - - I feel compelled to implore us all to open our hearts and our doors to share with others the spirit of generosity and true meaning of this holiday season.
 
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones (and your neighbors too!) from all of us at Kavesh, Minor & Otis.