have yourself a merry little christmas

Tree
There is something about being Jewish and watching the entire world unfold into a Christmas wonderland during the month of December.  I always wanted a tree.  To me, it has absolutely nothing to do with religion but more of a celebration of the season. Then I married Fred who grew up in a home where Christmas was a big deal.  In our first apartment we had a tree and went ornament shopping.  The next year we threw an ornament party.  We still have those ornaments today.  Here is our tree this year. 

The last decade we have spent traveling during the Christmas season.  This year we took a break from that.  We recently bought a ski house in Utah and decided to spend the holidays at the house with family. 

Secretsanta gift
We each picked a name at Thanksgiving so we each only had one person to get a gift for.  Just a ritual.  It was nice.  I got these three coffees from mine, aka Josh.

Ribroast
I made a traditional Christmas dinner, aka standing rib roast.

Popovers
and popovers…and they rose!

I miss the big trip but there is always next year.  Sometimes a little change of pace is nice way to celebrate the season. 

To all of you out there…hope you enjoy the end of the year wrap up….how ever you choose to celebrate the season. 

Comments (Archived):

  1. rachel

    Love that you guys bought a place in Utah – it is our little dream. What mountain are you on/close to? Love the houses on the Canyons.Was just saying to a friend it is so weird to be Jewish on Christmas — always felt the same about a tree — not sure MIL and parents would though!Rib roast looks AMAZING!Happy everything!

    1. Gotham Gal

      Thanks Rachel.We bought in the Canyons. Can’t beat the proximity to the airport …and of course the mountains and snow.

      1. rachel

        awesome. enjoy! i knew it wasn’t deer valley…!

  2. kenberger

    we are making your coq au vin recipe tonight !

    1. Gotham Gal

      awesome. let me know how it turns out

      1. kenberger

        twas heavenly. see for yourself:

        1. Gotham Gal

          which link?

          1. kenberger

            Image is embedded in the prior reply. Click here if you can’t see it: http://bit.ly/tGzgke

          2. Gotham Gal

            gorgeous

  3. ellen

    Nice.  time for some western art to decorate the walls.As for a tree I always wanted one.  I am a closet ornament purchaser.  I havesome of the most beautiful ones from thin glass to a  buccellati silver teddy bear.As I broached the topic about a tree with my husband when we first got married, he wasn’t toothrilled, since we are Jewish.  I saw nothing wrong with it, but he was quiteset in his ways  about the subject. I am all for embracing cultural differences.

    1. Gotham Gal

      my guess is the majority of people who are of the christian faith that celebrate xmas probably don’t go to church or have any religious affinity towards the holiday. it is definitely a celebration of the season, maybe a hallmark season, but a season nonetheless.

  4. kirklove

    Merry Christmas! We had Chinese last night so I think that makes Lili, The Bean and I half Jewish now – so it’s all good. 😉

  5. CCjudy

    do you do anything for Hanukkah? judy

    1. Gotham Gal

      I usually do a night of latkes and we light the candles. This year I’ve been lax

      1. CCjudy

        christmas trees and ornaments are not menorahs and candles – there are two nights for hanukkah Judy

        1. Gotham Gal

          agreed.