Merry Christmas! That’s right, you are all receiving a Merry Christmas greeting from this Orthodox Jew living in Israel. Growing up in America, Christmas to me was so much a part of American culture that I often compare it to Thanksgiving and The Fourth of July. I couldn’t imagine walking around a mall or a school in December that didn’t have a large tree on display or Christmas music playing in the background (feliz navidad in Florida). I am often asked if it offends me (especially at work and with my clients) that everyone always assumes everyone else is a Christian and automatically wishes me a Merry Christmas. This certainly doesn’t offend me. I am glad people are jolly enough to want to wish others a Merry Christmas. Christmas represents a magical time of year where families have a little extra time off from work, school and day-to-day activities. It’s a time of togetherness and celebration. It’s a time of giving and a time of joy. What Jew (or anyone for that matter) wouldn’t encourage that type of behavior? I say, let the trees into the schools and let the carolers carol. Waving American flags, saying the pledge of allegiance and eating turkey with stuffing are just as American as seeing and appreciating a good Christmas tree and shouldn’t offend anybody (ok, well may some Vegans-lol). Wishing all that celebrate a very Merry Christmas.