(golf clubs)

Well, we made it through. And I think that E- transitioned quite nicely from Christmas to Hannukah.

It's one thing to say that at some point in the future, after we're married and if/when we have kids that our kids will be Jewish and our family will only celebrate the Jewish holidays. It's quite another for that agreement to be made into reality.

Thankfully, the first night of Hannukah fell on Christmas this year which made the transition a bit smoother. At least, *I* think it did.

(I got golf clubs!)

Plus, except for the whole tree thing, I don't think much was different. We put up blue and white lights in the house and hung ornaments from them (either secular or jewish stars, pretty much), E- baked cookies, we opened presents...

(Shiny new GIRL golf clubs)

To me, nothing was too different. But then, I grew up with Hannukah so the past few years of celebrating both has been kinda odd. This year, I felt strangely whole. Which I just realized as I was writing this. Lighting the menorahs (mine and D's that my parents bought her) and having friends and family with us to do so was soooo special. And I've always loved the glowing candles. I'm getting warm fuzzies just thinking about them. :^)

(and a bag and new putter will be coming too!!)

But E- did feel a bit funky with it all. And he's trying to figure out what I can do to help out. Next year will be a big test cause the holidays are several weeks apart. But that' a whole year away.

And for New Year's Eve we spent a quiet night with friends. Well, sorta quiet. As quiet as it can be with four kids an a new surroundsound. :^) Food was nibbled, conversation was had, movies were watched. And while we had to leave early upon discovering D-s witching hour is 9pm, it was enough. And I found I didn't miss a loud, drunken party in the least.