the writing and photography of Neil Kramer

Tag: Christmas (Page 1 of 3)

Announcing the Eighth Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert!

Christmahanukwanzaakah ConcertNOW ON December 21st, 2013.

There will be no sponsors. There will be no causes.

There will be no mentions of number of Twitter followers or academic degrees.

There will just be singing.

And the celebration of this 21st Century village, this online world, where diverse individuals from around the globe have access to one another almost 24/7, and where friendships have no barriers.

It is time for the announcement of the Eighth Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert, all new, all exciting for 2013!

The online concert this year will take place on December 17, 2013, one month from today, right here on this blog.

It is time to hear YOU PERFORM!   YOU are the CONCERT.

Sign up in the comments today.

Concert FAQ:

1.  Create an audio file or a video file of you performing a holiday song.  If you need technical help, ask me.

2.  You must be performing in the audio or video.   Don’t cheat and have your cute kids doing all the work.

3.  You can sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, dance the Nutcracker, or create music on your iPhone.

4.  Once completed, you have the choice of posting it on your blog or YouTube and sending me the link, or emailing me the complete multimedia file.   Try to get me everything by Sunday, December 15, 2013, two days before the concert!  That gives you plenty of time to be creative.

5.  If you don’t want to sing a song, send me a holiday photo for concert decoration.  It could be of your tree, menorah, or plain ol’ winter solstice if you are a heathen.

6.  The comment section is the sign-up sheet.    By signing up, we can see who is performing what, so we can avoid having ten versions of “Frosty the Snowman.”

7.  Most importantly — don’t be intimidated if you can’t sing.    We like to laugh at you.

8.  Here are the past blockbuster concerts —

2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012

Join us in the longest-running holiday concert online – The Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert, now in it’s eighth season!

Good luck!   You have a month.

The Seventh Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert!

Welcome to the The 2012 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert!  It is my honor to be with you here for the seventh year of this concert.

It’s been a tough year for many of us.   May the power of song help you remember the goodness, peace, and joy of your lives!

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“Christmas in Mississippi” by Marty Long of Don’t Take the Repeats (song written by Steve Deaton and sound engineered by Kevin Long)

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“Holly Jolly Christmas” by Vikki of Up Popped a Fox and her kids

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“Sevivon” by M of Psychotoddler and the Moshe Skier Band

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“Christmas is Here” by Jenny Mae of Oh, Jenny Mae and her daughter

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Merry Hedgehog
photo by Veronica of Compost Studios

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“The Real Christmas Story” read by Suebob of Suebob’s Awesome Brain

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“Ill Be Home for Christmas” by Erin Lane of A Parenting Production

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“A New Deal for Christmas” from the musical, Annie by Danny Miller and his daughter and son, Leah and Charlie

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“Winter Wonderland” by Heather of Minivan Momma

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kim2
photo by Kim of Live From the 205

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“I’m Happiest at Christmas” by Noel Katz of There’s Gotta Be a Song

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“Amy’s Christmas Poem: How to Mistletoe” by Amy Turn Sharp

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“Jingle Bells” by Tracy of Sellabit Mom and her family

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“It’s Darlin’ (Christmas is Coming)” by Erin of Swonderland

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Christmas Selfie © SHaggerty 2012 W-1
photo by Suzanne of 24 at Heart

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Mi Yimalel Remix 1 (of Traditional Hanukkah song) by M of Psychotoddler and the Moshe Skier Band

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Home for the Holidays” by The Suniverse

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“Peajaye, the Holiday Fairy” by Peajaye

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latkes-charlie
photo by Danny Miller

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“Silent Night” by Bridget of The Ivey League

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“Lullay Lullay” by Cindy of Strawberries Here

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“Blue Christmas” by Karl of Secondhand Karl

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“The Christians and the Pagans” by Alexis of  Wave the Stick

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pam
photo by Pam of Outside Voice

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“Gabriel’s Message” by Gwen of Left Coast Mama and her son, Aidan

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“The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Toni of A Daily Dose of Toni and the Singing Bloggers

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“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Kate of The Big Piece of Cake

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“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Ms. Sizzle of Sizzle Says

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“Last Christmas” by Neil of Citizen of the Month

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http://instagr.am/p/RvW0HhkOR6/
photo by Tanis of The Redneck Mommy

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“Angels We Have Heard Up High” by Beta Dad

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“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Fadra of All Things Fadra

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“Happy Just Bumming Around – a Kiwi Christmas” by The Travesties with Juli Ryan of Wellington Road

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“White Christmas” by Charlotte of Monstergirlee

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photo of the Munich Marienplatz Christmas Market by Martin of Deutschland uber Elvis

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“Jingle Bells” by Maggie of Magpie Musing and family

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“Oh Holy Night” by Amiryrah of 4 Hats and Frugal

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“Merry Christmas, Darlin’ by Laurie of Laurie Writes

“A Christmas Medley” by Jenn of Breed ‘Em and Weep

The Sixth Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert!

Welcome to the The 2011 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert! This is the sixth year of this concert, and each year it gets better.

How time flies.  Six years!  The first year of the concert, all the songs were in mp3 audio. Now 95% of the songs are on video.  Next year, maybe we can do it LIVE ON SKYPE!

Enjoy. Happy Holidays. And to good blogging in 2012!

The Dove
performed by Tamar of Mining Nuggets

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Ding Dong Merrily on High
performed by Loralee of Loralee’s Looney Tunes with the American Festival Chorus

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Jingle Bells
performed by Kevin of Always Home and Uncool

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It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve
performed by Pearl of Pearlie’s of Wisdom

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Winter Wonderland
performed by Jessica of Bern This

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photo by Angella of Dutch Blitz

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A British Christmas
composed by Noel of There’s Gotta Be a Song

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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
performed by Erin of A Parenting Production

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Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
performed by Elly of BugginWord

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Jingle Bells
performed by Amy of Resourceful Mommy

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Silent Night
performed by Katherine of Postpartum Progress

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photo by Martin of Deutschland uber Elvis

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Silent Night
performed by Christine of Pop Discourse and Boston Mamas

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All He Wants for Christmas
performed by Diane of Momo Fali

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Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
performed by Carrie of A Sassy Redhead

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I’ll Be Home For Christmas
performed by Trisha of Momdot

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside
performed by Amy of The Bitchin’ Wives Club

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Photo by Shana of Gorillabuns

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Haere Mai Everything is Ka Pai (New Zealand folk song)
performed by Juli of Wellington Road

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The Little Drummer Boy
performed by Kristin of Rage Against the Minivan and She Posts, with her family

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A Baby Just Like You
performed by Cameron of Cameron D. Garriepy

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zEVZWy-KRM

Oh Hanukkah
performed by Danny Miller of Jew Eat Yet
with his son, Charlie

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Christmas is Coming
performed by Dana of Feast After Famine
with family

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photo by Suzanne of Twenty Four at Heart

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Avitable Sings a Christmas Song
performed by Adam of Avitable

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It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
performed by Becky of Not Fainthearted

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A Christmas Carol
performed by Jason of ConnectedEd

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Chanukah – Maoz Tsur
performed by Otir of Un jour a la fois

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Happy Holidays from LOD and Friend
performed by Doug of Laid Off Dad

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photo by Devra of Parentopia

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Good King Wenceslas
performed by Bon of Crib Chronicles
and Daniel Lynds (@daniellynds)

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Winter Wonderland
performed by Michelle of MidlifeMama
with the Lasell College Jazz Group

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Christmas Carol 2011
performed by Tanis of Redneck Mommy
with her kids, Fric and Frac

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Jingle Bells
performed by Matthew of Child’s Play x3
with his family

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Of Father’s Love Begotten
performed by Carrien of She Laughs at the Days

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Photo by Veronica of Compost Studios

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Deck the Halls (iPhone App Style)
performed by Neil of Citizen of the Month

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgHKiEzqG0M

What Child is This
performed by Maria of Mommy Melee

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dciYWxdPd38

Jingle Bells
performed by Erin of Swonderland

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We Like to Celebrate Chrannukah
performed by Jenny Mae of Mommy Mae
and family

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Baby, It’s Cold Inside
performed by Alejna of Collecting Tokens

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Do You Hear What I Hear?
performed by Fran of FGHart

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The Christmas Song
performed by Leah of A Girl and a Boy
with Simon

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Christmas Day Tidbits

Merry Christmas!  Peace and Joy and hopefully, good presents for all!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Holiday Concert.   The talent was amazing.

My mother is now at the airport en route to Boca Raton.  She will be there until the end of March,  “trying out Florida” during the winter months.  She will be fine there.  She has already been invited to a Florida New Year’s Party, as well as to be part of a weekly mah jongg game in her complex.   The six month chapter of me running home to Mom has come to a close.  I’m back on my own.

Metalia complained about the lack of Hanukkah songs for women to sing.  I think the holiday  is too geared for children, in an attempt to compete with Christmas.  It is especially difficult to find a sexy Hanukkah song for a rocking woman.   So I came up with something for the hot Jewish babe to sing to her man after lighting the Hanukkah candles:

Menorah
(sung to the tune of the Kinks “Lola”)
midi accompaniment here

I met him in a deli down in ol’ Soho
Where we ate corned beef and we read the temple’s To-rah.
T-o-r-a Torah

He was tall and strong with eight candles in hand
I asked him his name and in a New York voice he said Menorah
Me-me-me-menorah   Me-me-me-menorah

Well, I’m not the world’s most religious gal
But when I lit his candle, it really made me go, “Wow.”
Me-me-me-menorah   Me-me-me-menorah

Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understand
How he made me as hot as a latkes pan
Me-me-me-menorah  Me-me-me-menorah  Me-me-me-menorah

Well, we spinned the dreidel and we kissed all night
Under the flickering candlelights
He took me home so not to end our date
And he kept it up for eight nights on straight!

Well I’m not the world’s most religious gal
But when I looked at his lights, well I almost fell for my menorah
Me-me-me-menorah  Me-me-me-menorah

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Third Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert


“A “Bloggy” Santa Baby”
performed by Kristy of She Just Walks Around With It (via San Francisco)

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“Grown Up Christmas List”
performed by Allison at Maple Mama (via Vermont)

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“Winter Wonderland”
performed by Redneck Mommy (via Alberta, Canada)

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“The Little Drummer Boy”
performed by Abbersnail of Bright Yellow World and The Horse Whisperer (via San Francisco)

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“Mary Did You Know”
performed by Gingersnaps (via Nashville)

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“iPhone Ocarina Silent Night”
performed by Aimee of Greeblemonkey with Bryan and James (via Colorado)

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“Greensleeves”
performed by Sarah of Whoorl (via Southern California)

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“Hava Nagila”
performed by Fancy of Fancy Schmancy (via Connecticut)

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“Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas”
performed by Mr Lady (and family) of Whiskey in My Sippy Cup (via Canada)

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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
performed by Sarah of Sarah and the Good Squad and Ian (via Washington D.C.)

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“It’s a Very Penguin Christmas”
performed by Marie and Family of The Snake Charmers (via Texas)

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“Good Tidings”
performed by Loralee of Loralee’s Looney Tunes (via Salt Lake City)

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INTERMISSION

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metalia
photo by Metalia (via New York)

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noteMi Yamalel
performed by Psychotoddler (via Milwaukee)

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mommyknows
photo by MommaKnows (via Alberta, Canada)

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noteHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
performed by Saucybritches and her husband, Tim  (via Oklahoma)

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margalit
photo by Margalit (via Greater Boston)

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noteHayo, Haya
performed by Otir of Un Jour a la Fois (via Northeast U.S.)

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photo by Jamelah (via Michigan)

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noteCaroling, Caroling
performed by Merry Mishaps (via Annapolis, Maryland)

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leesa
photo by Leesa of Piece of My Mind (via Montana)

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noteWhite Christmas
performed by Backpacking Dad (via Menlo Park, CA)

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poppycedes
Photo by Poppycedes (via New York)

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noteWhat Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
performed by Ms. Sizzle  of Sizzle Says (via Seattle)

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catheroo
photo by Catheroo (via San Francisco)

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noteIt’s a Marshmallow World in the World in the Winter“/ “Merry Christmas Polka
performed by Not Fainthearted (via Minneapolis)

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saj
photo by Secret Agent Josephine (via Southern California)

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noteSevivon
performed by Danny of Jew Eat Yet? (via Los Angeles)

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karla
photo by Karlababble (via Texas)

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noteCoventry Carol
performed by Alejna of Collecting Tokens (via Northeast U.S.)

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noirebetty
photo by NoireBettie (via Los Angeles)

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noteO Come, O Come, Emmanuel
performed by Suzannesez (via Florida)

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alimartell
photo by Ali of Cheaper Than Therapy (via Toronto)

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noteBurning Bright
performed by Mommymae (via Missouri)

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maggie
photo by Maggie Dammit (via Wisconsin)

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noteMerry Christmas, Darling
performed by Laurel St. Clair (via St. Petersburg, Florida)

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kim
photo by Kim of 180/360 (via Las Vegas)

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noteO Holy Night performed by Maitresse (via Paris)

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photo from Ry at Arts and Dafts (via New York)

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
performed by Mommy Melee and kids (via Florida)

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bloggess
Photo by The Bloggess (via Texas)

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I Believed in Santa Claus

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I never thought to tell this story on the blog, mostly because it didn’t seem like anything special, but when I told a blogger about it, her response was surprising, so maybe my experience was more unique than I thought.

When I was a child, I believed in Santa Claus.

Remember, I am Jewish.  Of course, there are many Jewish parents who tell their children about Santa Claus so the children don’t feel “different.”  There are others who avoid mentioning Santa completely, worried that their kids will lose their Jewish identity to the mainstream culture.

My father loved Santa Claus. It was sort of an odd obsession.  He dressed like Santa for the children in the hospital where he worked.  He shouted with excitement when Santa appeared at the end of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.   If my father was alive today, one of the question I would love to ask him is, “What the hell was it with YOU and SANTA?”

Our family did not celebrate Christmas.  We never had a Christmas Tree.  We never made eggnog.  I never felt like I was missing out.  We always celebrated Hanukkah. But for some reason, my father loved Santa Claus, and told me that Santa really existed.

Now here is where it gets interesting, because my father was an eccentric guy.   He told me that there WAS a Santa Claus, but that he didn’t come to OUR HOME because we were Jewish.   He skipped over us like the angel of death on Passover.

“It isn’t our holiday, so Santa doesn’t come to us,”  he said.

In retrospect, this might seem like child cruelty.  Why even say there IS a Santa, if he isn’t coming to visit you?   But it never bothered me or made me upset.  It made logical sense.   It wasn’t my holiday, so this bearded guy and his reindeer didn’t bother schlepping to me!   My father was able to  create a whole different meaning for Santa Claus, making him seem mystical, but from afar, like a visiting baseball team’s cool mascot.

So, I believed in Santa, even if he didn’t show up at my home.

“What about Anthony?” I wondered, referring to the Italian Catholic kid down the hall.  “How does Santa get to him since our building doesn’t have any chimneys?”

“Santa comes through the terrace door.”

“OK.”

It seemed sort of odd, but I figured that Santa had to deal with a lot of modern urban obstacles, like telephone wires and satellites.

Every year, my father would drag me downtown to Macy’s 34th Street to visit the “real” Santa Claus.  We would wait in this Disneyland-sized line.  Wide-eyed children from throughout the city were eager to meet their hero.  I was more excited about going to Nathan’s for hot dogs afterwards, but I saw my father’s happiness over ME meeting Santa, so I played along.

“There he is!  Can you see him?” he said, pointing to Santa sitting on his throne.  My father’s voice had the same enthusiasm of someone feasting their eyes on the Pope at the Vatican.  “It’s Santa Claus.”

After an hour, it was my time to go face-to-face with jolly St. Nick.  I would sit on his lap, which always made me feel uncomfortable.  Why did I have to sit on his lap just to talk with him?   When Kissinger went on diplomatic “talks” he never sat on the Chinese Premier’s lap.  But I was respectful to Santa and did what he asked, because — after all — this was Santa Claus.  And I knew our meeting was a special moment, and needed to be recorded for posterity, which explained the elf with the KISS shirt taking our photo with a bright flash.

“And what would you like for Christmas, young man?”  he asked me.

“Well, nothing really.  I’m Jewish.”

“Ho Ho Ho, Jewish boys and girls also get presents from Santa.”

“No, we don’t.”

“So, what do you want for Hanukkah?”  he retorted, already trained to handle the annoying smart-aleck Jewish boys.

“I don’t know.  Whatever my parents get for me.”

“Do you want to whisper to Santa something you really really want and I will put in a good word for you?”

I leaned in.  Santa had bad breath.

“Hot Wheels Stunt Track…maybe.”

“Very good.  And were you a good boy this year?”

“Yeah,” I said, with a “Duh” tone to my voice, considering that Santa should already know this answer.  Hadn’t he been taking notes all year on who was nice and who was naughty?  I was beginning to doubt the authenticity of  this department store Santa.  Years later, I had a similar experience in Hebrew School when I questioned why God had to ask Adam if he had eaten from “The Tree of Life.”

“Why would he have to ask Adam this question?”

“He was testing him,” said grouchy Rabbi Ginsburg.

“It makes no sense.” I replied, using my young Talmudic knowledge.  “If he was God, wouldn’t he already know this?”

As I left Macy’s, I told my father that I was not impressed with this Santa Claus.  I asked my father for the truth.  Was this red-suited guy with the fake beard and bad breath really “Santa Claus?”

“No.  This Santa was a BAD one.  Even I play a better Santa Claus.  And I’m not even that fat.”

Something clicked in my head.  If my father dresses as Santa, and the guy in Macy’s is a fake, then…

“There’s no Santa Claus, is there?” I questioned. “It makes no sense.”

“Nah,” he admitted, a little sad at the myth being put to rest. “There is no Santa Claus.”

He paused for a moment, and then took one more final stand, like the soldier climbing over the hill in a suicide mission.

“But maybe… just maybe… I AM Santa Claus!”

I didn’t buy it.

“If you were Santa Claus, you wouldn’t be living in Flushing, would you?”

I stumped him.

“No,” he said.

And that was the end of me believing in Santa Claus.  It was fun while it lasted.

My father and I walked down 34th Street and went to Nathan’s for some hot dogs, then we went home, just in time for sunset and watching my mother light the Hanukkah menorah.

What Type of Holiday Card Should You Send Me?

The Holiday season brings up some uncomfortable issues. Several women, both Jewish and non-Jewish women have spoken to me, unsure what type of card to send to me.  Do I only celebrate Hanukkah?  Will I be offended if I receive a Christmas card?  Is a simple “Seasons Greeting” too lame of a Holiday message?

I cannot answer these questions for every Jewish male.  Each of you will have to make your own choices.  And rather than offering any guidelines, I have come up with a few copywriting ideas for the type of seasonal cards that I find both enjoyable and appropriate.

Hanukkah Cards

I want to light your menorah, Neilochka, eight days a week.

Let’s meet at my place.  You’ll eat my latkes, and I’ll spin your dreidel.

Who needs a Christmas Tree when you have my Hanukkah bush?  See you on Saturday night!

Christmas Cards

Card-giving is much more complicated for my female friends who celebrate Christmas. You want to share your holiday with me, but knowing that I am Jewish, don’t want to make me feel uncomfortable. Here are a few non-religious Christmas cards ideas that would definitely put me in the holiday mood:

It’s Christmas.  A Day for Loving A Jewish Man.  Again and Again.

I Know You Don’t Celebrate Christmas, my dear Jewish friend, but I Would Like to Get Laid By You on New Year’s Eve

Forget Santa.  I’d Rather Have You Coming Up My Chimney.

Email me for my address. Happy Holidays!

The Christmas Day Broadcast of the 2007 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert

Merry Christmas!

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Neilochka: Help me, I’m Jewish! Why am I on this weird guy’s lap?

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Santa Claus: Now listen very carefully, young Jewish Neilochka. One day, you will have a “blog.” I know you don’t know what that means right now. But you will. Right before Christmas, you should have a Holiday Concert right ON THE BLOG. Take my word for it. Chicks REALLY dig guys who throw Holiday concerts!

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Have a wonderful day filled with love and joy. No Christmas is complete with music. So, if you haven’t checked it out yet, why not listen (or listen again) to some of your blogging friends creating some special Holiday memories?!

The 2007 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert

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Have a wonderful Christmas day. Good health and happiness to your families. See you at the movies, fellow Jews!

The 2007 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert

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Logo Design by Vanessa of the Butterfly Blog (get an array of concert buttons for your site at her blog)

THE CONCERT PROGRAM

Were You There on Christmas Night?
sung by Lizardek (“the Swedish Celine Dion”) with Sharon Johns

Sleigh Ride
sung by Heather (“Broadway Baby”) of OMSH

Mele Kalikimaka
sung by Kerflop (“The Virtual Hawaiian Honey”)

Have Yourself a Very Merry Little Christmas
sung by the — Greeblemonkey and Ms. Sizzle (“the Simon and Garfunkel of Christmas”)

The Man with the Bag
by Vanessa “the Fourth Andrews Sister” of the Butterfly Blog (not her real talking voice!… she wants you to know)

Silent Night
by Erin (“Vivacious Voice”) Villanovababy (and hubby Tim Cooper on guitar)

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
sung by Sophia, (“Hot and Spicy Songstress”)

Coventry Carol
sung by NFH “The Minnesota Mantovani” from This Journey

Everyboy Got Pissed At the Party (a little adult)
sung by Whit “Rapper Whiteboy” of Honea Express

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
sung by “Ukelele Pam” of Nerd’s Eye View

Vermont Snow (an original song)
sung by MapleMama “Green Mountain Diva”

The Christmas Song
sung by Bec (“The British Barbra”) of Out of My Tree

Light Up (Himmelman/Broza)
by Psychotoddler (“Jewish Doctor Feelgood”)

INTERMISSION

Carol of the Bells
by Merry Mishaps (“They Call Me Merry”)

Mi Yimalel
sung by Danny (“Wilco’s Secret Band Member”) of Jew Eat Yet

Ner Li (Hanukkah)
by Otir (“the Female Jacques Brel”) of Un Jour a La Fois

I’m Dreamin’ of a White Trash Christmas
by AKA Monty (“Let’s Make a Deal”) of The Daily Bitch

O Little Town of Bethlehem
sung by Hilly (“The Hills Are Alive”) of Snackie’s World

Mon Beau Sapin (Christmas)
by Otir (“the Female Jacques Brel”) of Un Jour a La Fois

Baby, it’s Cold Outside
sung by Ms. Sizzle (“Ms. Claus”) and her special Santa

Te Harinui (a New Zealand Christmas song)
by Dee (“The Diana Ross of Down Under”) of Singular Scene

Hanukiah Li Yesh
sung by Tamar ( “the Philly Sound”) of Mining Nuggets

Christmastime is Here
sung by Angela “Jazz Hands” of Fluidpudding

“Light Up”
with Psychotoddler in a live concert version

Love
from Kyran Pittman (“The Poetess of Song”) from Notes to Self

I’ll Be Home for Christmas
sung by Saviabella (“the Sweetheart of Saskatchewan”)

… and a special performance by Sophia (“Hot and Spicy Songstress”), who sings…

Flicker Wicker,
a new Hanukkah song she wrote especially for this concert, done to the tune of ABBA’s Super Trouper. (You know how much I love ABBA.)

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Sophia

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Christmas photo by Whit

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Christmas photo by Greeblemonkey and Ms. Sizzle

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Christmas photo by Erin and Tim

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Winter Wonderland photo by Vanessa

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Christmas photo by Mckay

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Christmas photo by Dutch Blitz

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Hanukkah photo by Tamara Eden

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Christmas photo by Whoorl

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Christmas photo by Jennifer of Open Book

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Christmas photo by Laurel

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Hanukkah photo by Letter B

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Creative Advent Calendar photo by Kerflop

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Christmas photo by Assertagirl

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Christmas photo by Cici.

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Christmas photo by Alissa and Evan

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Christmas photo by Gorilllabuns

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Christmas photo by Jill of GlossyVeneer

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Holiday photos by Shash

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Happy Holidays! The Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday concert will be re-broadcast on Christmas Day, so feel free to send me any new material if you missed today’s deadline, whether it be audio, video or Holiday photos.

Relive the memories! — The 2006 Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday Concert

The First Annual Blogger Holiday Online Arts and Crafts Fair

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Arts and Crafts Fair Poster Girl Villanovababy

Welcome to the first ever Blogger Holiday Online Arts and Crafts Fair. 

This is your opportunity to be introduced to the artistic work of some of your favorite bloggers.  It’s the holiday season… the time for gift-giving.  Why not give a unique and handmade gift to your loved ones and friends this year — and support a fellow blogger at the same time?  I think you’ll find a varied group of artists, photograhers, and crafty folk represented here on this page.

Feel free to browse, both here and on the participants’ shopping pages.  You don’t have to buy.  Just enjoy looking at the work of those who are more talented than you, artistic geniuses who make you feel like an uncreative loser.  Ha Ha, of course that is a joke.  You don’t feel bad at all.  They’re ARTISTS.  Chances are that you drive a much nicer car. You get the last laugh!  Thank god for business school!

Of course no arts and craft fair would be complete without some food and entertainment.  Please nosh on our delicious homemade bagels, courtesy of Deb from Smitten Kitchen and Ari from Baking and Books. 

The Battle of the Homemade Bagels —

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Deb’s Homemade Bagels

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Ari’s Homemade Bagels

Sure, they’re only virtual bagels, but they’re COMPLIMENTARY.  That means they are free!  Woo-hoo! 

There are also two concert areas on the fairgrounds, keeping you entertained as you shop. On STAGE ONE, rock out with British indie band Arctic Monkeys, as they stop by the arts and crafts fair during their west coast tour.  On STAGE TWO, our more intimate staging area, we are proud to present one of America’s finest songwriters, Mr. James Taylor.

I hope you enjoy the Arts and Crafts Fair.  The doors are now open!

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Gemstone necklaces from Gillian   
(blog — Tiddleywinks)

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Photography from Lisa Duvall
(blog — Fat Chick Running)

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Artwork by Kyra
(blog — Shaping My Way)

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Photography by Schmutzie
(blog — Milk Money or Not)

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Gift Tags by SAJ
(blog — Secret Agent Josephine)

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Photography by Leesa
(blog — Piece of My Mind)

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Artwork by Angie
(blog — Evangelinethan)

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Photography by Susannah
(blog — Ink on my Fingers)

CONCERT STAGE ONE – Arctic Monkeys

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Work by Liz Elayne
(blog — Be Present, Be Here)

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Photography by Mary
(blog — Maliavale)

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T-shirt by Dave
(blog — Blogography)

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Jewelry by Sara
(blog — Moving Right Along)

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Photography by Stacy
(blog — Jurgen Nation)

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Gumball the Kitten Magnets by Bethany
(blog — Bethany Actually)

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Artwork by Ellen Bloom
(blog — Los Angeles is my Beat)

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Photography by Heather
(blog — Nabbalicious)

CONCERT STAGE TWO – James Taylor

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Purse by Abigail
(blog — Abigail’s Road to Nowhere)

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Photography by 180/360
(blog — 180/360)

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Custom Made Felt Pins by Ms. Sizzle
($5 plus shipping – email her at sizzlesays at gmail dot com)
(blog — Sizzle Says)

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Photography by Sarah
(blog — Sad and Beautiful)

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Baby/Toddler Clothes by Sarah
(blog — Susu g)

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Photography by Di Mackey
(blog — Woman Wandering)

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Fiber Quilts by Caron
(blogs — All and Nothing, And Still Counting)

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Painting by Stacy Elaine
(blog — Pudgy Pigeon Enterprises)

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Handmade Hats and Aprons by Leahpeah
(blog — Leahpeah)

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Artwork by AscenderRises
(blog — Ascender Rises Above)

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Photography by Aimee
(blog — Greeblemonkey)

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Art Journal by V-Grrrl
(email her at veronica at v-grrrl dot com for prices)
(blog — V-grrrl in the Middle)

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Baby Clothes by Jen Lemen
(blog — Jen Lemen)

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Purses by Jaynette

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And for those who would rather donate money as a gift, how about getting a cow or a water buffalo for a needy family via The Heifer Project? (thanks Not Fainthearted!)

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