The Santa Scheme: How I Kept the Magic Alive for Another Year
“Mommy, the internet said Santa is fake,” my eight-year-old child cried over the phone as I drove back from my teenager’s soccer game late last year. Apparently, a quick Google search had yielded the answer: “As adults, we know Santa Claus isn't real, but many of us...
An Interfaith Family Story: Feeling Left Out at My Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah (Your Teen Magazine)
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why this is happening,” I sobbed in front of the bat mitzvah tutor as we prepared for my daughter’s ritual transition into Jewish adulthood. My teenager’s eyes widened. “Mom, stop.” But I couldn’t stop crying. As an Italian Catholic, I felt...
I’m not ready for my Jewish child to stop believing in Santa
“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet,” I said. “There’s misinformation out there.” I typed Loch Ness Monster into her iPad search bar and flaunted the results. “See? Supporting evidence about Nessie’s existence either way.” She wiped her tears. “Is Santa...
Our Family’s Interfaith Break-Fast Features Bagels and Lasagna
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE ON KVELLER “Happy Yom Kippur!” my mom shouted on speakerphone to my fiancé and his family. “Thank you,” they said. “Mom, Yom Kippur isn’t really happy,” I explained. We were staying at my future in-laws’ Long Island home, and everyone...
How to Explain the Passover Story to Kids
As the Catholic half of a Judeo-Christian interfaith couple, I learned a lot about Passover from my late mother-in-law because Passover's themes held great significance for her. As an educator and a feminist, she taught me that anyone can find relevance in this...
Living in the Moment this Christmas Eve
Preparations for “The Eve” spanned days when I was a kid, as they had for generations. Grandpa Tony invited everyone to his Italian pre-Christmas feast. Born into a family of 12 during the Great Depression, he couldn’t afford much. But Tony Mascolo of Coney Island...
How to Explain the Story of Hanukkah to Kids
The first night of Hanukkah 2020 is December 10, and this year more than any other is a great opportunity to take extra time to teach your family about the Jewish holiday that celebrates the power of light and miracles. "Hanukkah" means dedication in Hebrew, and the...
7 Menorah Crafts for Kids You’ll Want to Keep Forever
From Legos to seashells, these menorah crafts make great keepsakes and use simple materials you probably already have on hand. Get tips for making them, plus our favorite store-bought menorahs for kids. Looking for a fun way to discuss the Hanukkah story as a family...
WDC 2020 Award Winner – My 6-year-old has calmed me during quarantine
“This is the worst thing that will ever happen,” I cried. An atomic-sounding roar erupted from the World Trade Center’s south tower as it collapsed. I was a few blocks away, and I knew I had to escape from the real-life Godzilla movie in which I was an unwitting...
My Journey Between Christmas and Hanukkah
Click here to read article on NEWSDAY This year, Christmas Eve and the first night of Hanukkah coincide, which is very rare. My family is excited. The moment I kissed Jeff’s freckled mouth on the dance floor of a Washington, D.C., club, I was electrified. He was a...
My Marinara Sauce Helps Bridge My Family’s Easter-Passover Gap
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ON RACHAEL RAY EVERY DAY Although I’m an Italian-Catholic, I’m very aware that Passover is just around the corner. Since I married my husband and we decided to raise our children in his religion, I’ve embraced celebrating the...
Article published in Kveller
When I learned my husband’s company was relocating us from New Jersey to London during my energy-filled second trimester, I was elated. We made a bucket list and travelled nearly every weekend to dramatic places like Venice. I was due in December so once mid-October...
