We celebrated Thanksgiving and Chanukah with our usual traditions—and non-traditions. Because as much as I'd like things to happen in a certain way during the holidays, I've learned that going with the flow makes family life and Max a whole lot happier. Actually, that pretty much applies 365 days a year.
Wednesday was the first night of Chanukah, and my birthday. We lit the menorah (a candelabrum with eight holders) and said the blessings. Then Max wanted us put a Chanukah candle in a pumpkin pie and sing Happy Birthday to me...and to him (his birthday is next week).
"Max, Chanukah candles are for the menorah," I explained. "Also, your birthday is next week!"
"Irth-ay!" Max said.
I wasn't in the mood to argue, so we created the world's first Pumpkin Pie Birthday Menorah, and I atoned for any sacrilege by only having a very small slice.
Thanksgiving brought a surprise. Max usually isn't into sitting at the table with the rest of us—he just plays by himself then eats later—but this year, he plopped right down without a bit of begging. Despite the great spread of food, all he wanted was mac 'n cheese with ketchup. I had some ready and waiting, because I have ESP that way.
For dessert, more pumpkin pie! Max wanted to cut it himself. We gave him the knife and he had at it, resulting in The Great Pumpkin Pie Massacre of 2013 but really, hacked-up pumpkin pie tastes as good as a neat slice. He had some for breakfast, too.
Max's favorite present so far is a toy that shoots images of fireworks onto walls, complete with sound effects. Last night, he celebrated the lighting of the menorah with fireworks.
Hmmm. Maybe I've got this all wrong. It's not that we're breaking with tradition—we're just creating new ones.
