smells good!” Gustavo said as soon as they entered Ben’s home. Ben introduced his family to Kazu’s family and Gabriela found a friend in Ben’s grandmother, Laurel, right away.
“It’s really a little holiday,” Laurel explained to Gabriela about Hanukkah. “But, since it falls around the same time as Christmas, the children like to get presents. And, Ben is so excited to celebrate with Kazu.”
The grandmothers smiled, watching the boys spin the dreidel and play for chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil.
Before dinner everyone gathered to hear Ben tell the story of Hanukkah. His parents had thought it might be a nice idea for him to share the story with their non-Jewish guests. So, Ben stood tall in the front of the room and cleared his throat.
“A long time ago, Jews were being killed and their temple was taken over and messed up. So, the Jews fought and got their temple back, but when they wanted to light the menorah, most of the oil that was left wasn’t good.” Ben paused dramatically. “There was only enough clean oil for one night. And then, a miracle happened! That little bit of oil burned for eight days, giving the Jews enough time to make more oil. That’s why we celebrate for eight days. We light the menorah every night, get presents and eat lots of fried food. And we thank God for latkes and donuts!”
Kazu and Gustavo led the applause and everyone joined them. Ben’s parents looked to one another a bit uncomfortably, but Ben’s grandmother laughed and clapped the loudest. Ben lit the first candle of the menorah and his father said the blessing. And then, it was time to eat.
The next day at the coffee house Dina was planning her shopping route on the way home, thinking of where else she might look for her angel. She’d been to the holiday craft fairs, specialty gift shops, and the big department stores, but she still hadn’t found the angel.
Muriel broke into her thoughts with the news that she’d received a Christmas card from her estranged brother.
“Nobody’s talked to him in years. He’s the eldest and really bossy. You know those Christmas letters that people send bragging about their kids? Well, my brother sent one bragging about himself. He’s done well this past year, blah, blah, blah…”
“Maybe he wants to get back in touch,” Dina offered.
“And, perhaps made amends,” Yusuf added.
“Yeah, well…” Muriel made a face and then seemed to soften. “I guess I’ll write him back. It is Christmas.”
******************************************************
Elizabeth Clement wasn’t sure what to do with the fruitcake her new beau had brought her. When she offered to serve it, Clay said he didn’t like fruitcake, which made Elizabeth bristle a little. What made him think she liked fruit cake? They were still getting to know each other, she reassured herself as she put the cake away. Perhaps she could give it to her neighbor. Old people liked fruit cake, didn’t they?
To be continued December 22...
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