The Hanukkah Fairy

Last night, I had the most amazing experience at Target. I went there for eggs (I swear, just eggs) and $52 later, I walked out with a ton of stuff that I didn't really need for Hanukkah. (DAMN YOU TARGET!!!) I have very little self restraint at that store.

I've resigned myself to the fact that I won't be the perfect party hostess - not in a million years - but as I wandered the aisle full of Hanukkah stuff (OK, half an aisle), a woman stopped me and said "WOW! We get our own aisle this year! Well, half an aisle." I swear, she read my mind. We started talking and she asked if I have kids. You know I do - and now she does, too.

When I told her their ages, she said something that struck me as genius.

Growing up in a Jewish household wasn't earth shattering to me - neither was having non-Jewish friends. I didn't really care much about Christmas. We were never allowed to sit on Santa's lap at the mall. We didn't decorate our home to look all Chanukkah-y to rival our Christian neighbors. We just didn't do that stuff. And I never wanted to be anything but Jewish. I like playing with the dreidle. I liked eating latkes (and bacon).

It never occurred to me that other kids didn't feel the way I did.

So, this random lady starts telling me that as a way to combat Christmas with her kids, she created the Hanukkah fairy.

Cue the light bulb.

Or just cue this face ... I do everything for this face!

If my kids ever start loving Christmas (or the idea of Christmas), I'm running with the Hanukkah fairy idea.

Like the tooth fairy, the Hanukkah fairy dispenses gifts but, unlike the tooth fairy, the Hanukkah fairy hides the gifts all over the house. One per night.

I guess Craig is going to have to get used to the idea that our house will be in shambles for eight days.

This lady's idea is genius and kind of reminds me of hiding the afikomen during Passover. While I'm sure some of you may be thinking that I'm nuts and it's just another thing we emulate from Christians for this holiday - it's not. Not to me. If it keeps my kids interested in Hanukkah - I'm all for it. They're going to be exposed to all kinds of religions and practices - and I want that for them, but I'd also like them to know that Judaism is our home turf. Deal?