So Catholic children are told Santa will bring them presents. What are Jewish children told so as not to feel bad?
It can be tough to maintain one’s religion with one’s own children in the presence of such a wonderful Christmas holiday. So, here are a few explanations that have been used through the ages: • “Zeese, don’t worry. Bubbe will get you your presents at wholesale after the Xmas holiday.” • “Moishele, remember the last time when a messenger of God brought everyone “gifts” in Egypt? We should be grateful he’s passing us over.” • “Nu already, what makes you think you’ve been so good?” • “Motek, we’re Jewish. We’ve been suffering persecution for centuries. This is just another way we learn to bear up.” • “Beryl, Christian boys get gifts from Santa. Jewish boys get circumcized. You’re the lucky one. Hey, don’t tell your mother I told you that.” • “Rokhel, your son wants Santa to bring him presents…speak to him already.” • “Christian kids get gifts on only one day. You get presents for 8 days. So, here’s a penny; tomorrow you’ll get 2…don’t spend it all at once.” • “Haim, Santa is Reform. Y
