O.J. Simpson.....still not a Jew

When the holiday season rolls around, Sarah insists on Christmas CDs in the car. Nothing wrong with that, not with Bruce Springsteen's Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Merry Christmas, Baby available; along with Adam Sandler's Chanukah Song (from which the title of this blog posting was taken) on a disc made by a heathen friend of mine. So with Nat King Cole as background music, Sarah and I set off to make the holidays special for little guy.


Since Chanukah came early this year, Elijah got a head start on the presents and the "gelt" (chocolate coins, for those like O.J.). On the first night, Elijah got a new Tramp figurine (to replace the one he broke years ago) to go with his Lady. He was so happy he carried it with him for all eight nights (and beyond). He also got more markers, a goofball (don't even ask) and from our friend Bunni (whom I always refer to as his surrogate Grandma), he got Nutcracker figurines, which along with Lady and Tramp made their way from room to room.

My gift from Elijah was his continuing progress (a big-shout out to his therapists and school!) and his ability to recite the Hebrew prayer as we lit the candles on the menorah. Considering the fact that probably no one else in my family can do that, I was very pleased.




With the arrival of Christmas and a record snowstorm on the same day, inside was where we spent most of the day. (Sarah and Elijah in their Christmas pajamas, Daddy in sweats.) There was a quick foray into the backyard to play in the snow (wind chills in the minus territory brought me in before the little guy; Sarah never even made it to the door).




Santa was good to Elijah. He got a beloved basketball goal (indoor variety), on which he has been practicing his dribble drive to the hoop. An indoor trampoline, which has yet to be assembled. (According to the instructions, assembly takes "three strong adults," which we are two short of in the house, although Sarah's bad knee gives her an excuse.) More markers, a couple of yo-yos, some games that he has played and enjoyed with his therapists in the past and an overhead projector that allows Elijah to trace more than 200 images and animals. Of course, this list doesn't include the extremely generous contributions of family members toward Elijah's camp fund, a gift he is not aware of now but will enjoy a great deal next year. (We have been assured the camp is on track again for next summer!)

And just today Aunt Julie and Uncle George came by and not only brought Elijah his first video game play station, but also aided in assembling the trampoline, which put a huge smile on the little guy's face

So as the holiday weekend winds down and I go out to shovel the driveway so Sarah can get to work (I don't have to get out in this mess). I have to say it was truly "the most wonderful time of the year."

Except for this ....

Two Birds in the Hand.....

Using his artistic ability to interpret everyday objects is one of Elijah's many charms. When the moment moves him , he will create a picture based on some small phrase or object that most others wouldn't even take note of. Such an event occurred the other night when he climbed up on the bookcase in our den and got off the shelf two brass bird statues that have done nothing but collect dust for at least 10 years.

His fascination with these birds is not new. On numerous occasions over the past few years, he has insisted that "Daddy get the gold birds for Elijah" so he can place them in various areas around the house. Yesterday, however, when the request came, it was immediately followed by another query asking for markers and paper.

What follows is Elijah's Men as Birds masterpiece: