My first Hanukkah

This was my first Hanukkah.   

There were lessons on how to spell ‘Hanukkah’; there was profanity while I misspelled it each time.

There were Menorahs.  There were latkes.  

There were songs.  And there was a gift for me!  

And then there were tears.  And the words no Jewish child ever wants to hear “Hanukkah has been cancelled.”

 

As a writer, it’s not surprising that I love to read.  I love when someone recommends a book to me that they think I will really enjoy. 

As a child, I read ferociously.  One of my earliest memories is going to the Queens County library with my mother.  (It’s either that or getting yelled at in kindergarten by the art teacher.  I think we’ll go with the happier one please.)

 

I spent two nights of Hanukkah with my friend Jackie and her lovely family.  I spent hours contemplating the perfect gift for each member of the family.  (And, I do mean each member of the family – Teddy, the cocker spaniel & Kitty, yes, the cat also got gifts).  

Jackie loved her owl themed gifts.  

Her husband loved his Superman T-shirt (Don’t worry.  That’s not inappropriate.  I don’t think he’s Superman.  He does.  It’s his ringtone when he calls his wife.)  

The baby loved her LeapFrog toy/stuffed animal, instantly giving it kisses.  

The 4 year old, who I’ve often drawn with- fortunately without flashbacks from kindergarten- loved his drawing tablet.  

And then the 6 year old… I knew giving a set of books to a 6 year old could turn ugly.  I figured he’d be initially disappointed but I envisioned reading it to him that night and all would be well.  I was wrong.  There were tears after he was scolded after asking if that was all I got for him, because his brother got a toy.  But the next morning all was right in the world and he apologized and agreed he’d like the books.  

Unfortunately, he had a similar reaction to his babysitter’s gift and Jackie uttered  the words no child wants to hear. “Hanukkah has been cancelled.”

I stayed in the other room as she unwrapped the remaining nights gifts he was going to get.  I couldn’t watch.  

I only hope to be invited again next year.  And this time, everyone is getting a toy.

Don’t forget.  When the Menorah candles stop being lit, the 99cent ebook will be gone.  Get ‘Gone…But Not Missing’ – a mystery novel set in Long Beach, NY – before the price goes up.