Saturday, December 16, 2006

Happy Chanukah!

Last night was the first night of Chanukah so we went out last night to celebrate with Shawn's family to where else, the Pickle Barrel. It was great seeing everybody again as it's always hard to get together for good occassions. Tonight we are going to see two different sets of Shawn's cousins to the holiday (everybody wants us at the same time).

I always get confused as to how to spell Chanukah and after doing a bit of research on the web I found out why, there are quite a few ways to spell Chanukah including:

Chanukah
Chanukkah
Channukah
Hanukah
Hannukah
Hanukkah
Hanuka
Hanukka
Hanaka
Haneka
Hanika
Khanukkah

No wonder I'm so confused!

Shawn and I are in a unique situation. We are able to celebrate two sets of holidays with our families. In a way it works out because there is never an arguement over who's side of the family we should go to for the holidays. We've also had to learn about each other's different traditions and learn to integrate them into our home and life which I hope will help us to learn more about the baby's history, traditions and culture so we can easily integrate them into our home as well.

One thing I've realized though (sorry to keep going back to this) is that no matter what holiday we celebrate this year, it's not going to be easy. Last night I kept thinking about my mom and how she loved to light the candles with us on the menorah even though she wasn't Jewish. I almost started bawling right there in the middle of the restaurant. But being with family helped, they kept brining me back to the baby, and kept reminding me that even though things aren't great right now, we still do have a lot to look forward to.

6 comments:

Rhonda said...

Yes, there are almost as many ways to spell Channukah as there are to celebrate it! I hope you two have a wonderful holiday. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy to finally read your blog :) The holidays (no matter what you celebrate) is about being with loved ones and enjoying life. I think it's pretty neat you have a chance to celebrate so many traditions with family. What a special opportunity!

Tracey and Mike said...

Happy Chanukah! It's wonderful how your family is going to be so rich with many traditions. And, by the way...love the Pickle Barrel! Usually when we're in T.O. we eat there.

Anonymous said...

I am SO with you, Dolores! It is really hard, knowing that someone in your family is missing. And as supportive and wonderful as everyone is, they just can't understand that "ache" like we can! I really hope you have a GREAT holiday and that you can have peace.

Janet T.

4D said...

Happy Holidays!

It sounds like you are surrounded by loved ones who will be there to help you thru this holiday time.

Keep smilin!

M and M said...

I will be thinking about you this holiday season. It is going to be tough one! You know where I am if you need to talk.

Things WILL get better.