Chinese Food, Movies, Friends and Family

What's a Jew to do on Christmas but spend some time with friends and family eating Chinese food and watching movies? This year we went to the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey for their "Chinese Food and a Movie" event.

Okay, so the kids didn't make it through the entire screening of "Finding Nemo." We had a great time, met some new people and even got to go swimming. Many thanks to the JCC for the free lunch and to the folks who went to work on Christmas to make it happen.

Are We Talking About “The Holidays” Already?

Yesterday I got a catalog in the mail that said, “It’s not too late to get holiday gifts for everyone on your list!” I hope not. It’s October.

 Then today I saw this post by an acquaintance on Facebook:

So, good for him. And at least he isn’t assuming Hannukah is the Jewish Christmas. But I don’t really want to be wished a Merry Christmas. It always makes me feel so awkward. After all of these years, I still never know how to respond. I usually just mumble, “You, too.”

Am I wrong? Should I just "get over it" like this person says? And what's the right response? I'd like to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment.