One day I hope to be enough: my experience growing up with dual ethnicities
“Jew-Rican.” “Christmukkah.” “I’m Jew…ish.” These are just a few terms I created or adopted over the years to add levity to the confusion people would experience when they learned about my ethnicity. I grew up on Long Island, New York, where there was a very high population of Jews. It was common to see symbols of both Christianity and Judaism, especially in public schools. Seeing Stars of David alongside Christmas trees and crosses on school windows, the walls of department stores, and in newspaper advertisements was commonplace. This dual expression of spirituality perfectly reflected my own household.
Make a custom wreath out of holiday bows from gifts past
Thanks to Offbeat Homie Tiffany for uploading this to our Flickr pool, and giving us all an awesome holiday decor idea. If you happen to keep and collect awesome holiday bows, round ’em up and make an custom wreath!
Thoughtful gifts under $20 for EVERYONE on your list
So you can’t afford to get your book nerd brother a first edition, or your travel-hungry friend his dream trip to Japan, or your whiskey-loving sister her favorite bottle. We get it! But you CAN get them gifts that are just as thoughtful, and all for under $20. Check these out…
Am I a Grinch or will I find the Christmas spirit someday?
This was our first Christmas in our home and as a married couple. My husband spent almost the entire time talking about all the traditions we were going to start this year and do the same thing every year and how much fun our future kids were going to have and other happy joy joy type silliness. All I kept thinking; I just want to sit on my couch, watch “Downton Abbey,” and forget about Christmas. My question: does all of this make me a Grinch? When I have kids, will I find the Christmas spirit or be even worse?
Which foods are best to donate to food banks?
The office where I work does a food drive every year for our holiday party. I was wondering if anyone who has experience would have any suggestions on what kinds of foods are good to donate to a food pantry?
Who? What? How? Seeking advice on holiday-time tipping
Growing up in New York City, I was vaguely aware that my parents “tipped” the doormen and the superintendent of my apartment building sometime around the end of December. Now as an adult newly living in a city in Texas, in a rental apartment complex, and I have no idea what I should do about holiday tipping… Who are these people we should be tipping? Should we be giving cash or gift cards? If so, how much? Should we be giving cookies? Should we just give a thank you/happy holidays card?
STFU: How can I deal with one family member who always ruins holiday parties?
I’m slated to host Christmas Eve at my home again, and last year it was fun… except for one uncle ruined it with snarky comments and flat-out negativity. He bitched about the food, the tackiness of the decorations, and the gifts people gave.
At the time, I was more concerned about hosting duties and making sure my family was having a good time, so I just tried to roll with it. Nobody in the family had the guts to say anything, except to talk about it after he left.
This year though… fuck that, I don’t want any of that shit in my house.
How do I keep his horrible attitude in line in my own home?
Get cooking in these innovative and awesome aprons for everyone
Now that the holidays are rapidly approaching, ovens will be running on overtime, and kitchens are gonna get messy. To keep that mess in your kitchen and off your fantastic holiday outfit, you’re gonna need an apron.