Holidays

Christmas. This is one the the most wonderful times of the year (and not just because there is a song that says so). This is the time of year when people seem to smile a little bit easier, open their hearts a little bit more and give a little more freely. This is also the time of year we get the celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ together.

But Christmas is not the only holiday that is celebrated this time of year.

There is also Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Gracie has been learning about these holidays in school and has been telling me all about them. I am thrilled she is learning about different backgrounds and cultures. She knows what her family believes and has told us many times that she also believes Jesus is her King and the son of God. But she also seems very sensitive to other traditions and beliefs and I think that is a good thing.

But having said that she has been asking us a lot of questions about holidays. In these series of questions we have had to explain the differences in holidays and how other peoples beliefs are not the same as ours.

That's when she asked the question we were not expecting.

"Who's right mommy?" I had no idea what to say. So, I simply said "Let's ask daddy when he gets home." (I have discussed it with Jeff so he would be aware if the question came up again.)

Who is right? This has had me thinking lately. A part of me really wants to say that we are right as Christians but the other part of me doesn't want to say that because I want her to keep an open mind. I want her to be able to make her own decisions and respect the decisions of others. I want her to have relationships with other people of different cultures. This is how we learn, grow and reach understanding. And with understanding comes peace, which is what I want for my children.

Plus I had this image in my head of her telling a little Jewish girl at school that she was wrong and that we are right. The last thing I want is to start some kind of religious rivalry up at her school.

I think her curiosity is healthy and I am very glad she feels comfortable talking to us and asking us questions. I think curiosity leads to creativity. And I am very proud of my curious, and creative, little girl.