The Only Kid Without a Christmas Tree

There once was a boy, Max, and Max was Jewish. Every year he'd see all his friends talk and laugh and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Max felt very left out, and it wasn't that he was disappointed that he was Jewish; he just felt like the only kid in town without a Christmas tree. Every night of Hanukkah when Max and his family would light the candles and say the blessing, Max was overjoyed to celebrate Hanukkah. But then the next day at school it would begin again.

"Look at my list!" "I can't wait till Santa comes!" "Did you ask for a new paintball gun?" The kids talked and talked and Max felt more and more left out. It wasn't until Max learned the true meaning of the holidays that he truly understood.

When Max got home, he told his mother of his troubles. "Now Max," she had said, "you know that's ridiculous! You should be proud to be Jewish!"

"I know mom, but it's just so hard this time of year!"

"Well, I know one thing for sure, and that's that it doesn't matter what religion you are, or what holiday you celebrate! Just because right now is the season of giving for all of your friends doesn't mean you can't take part in it! Tell them what you do at this time of year."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, next time they start talking about Christmas, tell them how we light the candles and say the blessing each night. Tell them about all the cool stuff you've gotten for Hanukkah! Chances are, if you speak up, you won't feel left out anymore!"

"Thanks mom," Max replied, "I'll give it a try tomorrow!"

So the next day, Max went to school and told the kids ALL about Hanukkah just like his mom had said. His friends enjoyed hearing the story of Hanukkah, and they started to understand that Hanukkah isn't about getting presents, it's about how a little bit of oil burned for eight nights straight. They in turn learned that the true meaning of Christmas also isn't about getting presents, or Santa Claus, it's about Jesus' birth. It's the season of giving.

After this, Max didn't feel so left out anymore, and now Max is proud to say he's Jewish!

That's my little story about Judaism! Hope you like it!