Gather round the table, I'll give you a treat...

In an effort to maintain ample holiday spirit, my parents have called me every night of Channukah (so far this year) so that we can light candles and sing songs together.  (Though 24, you'd often think I was 7 by the way I'm coddled and worried after.  But honestly, who's complaining?) 

I am instantly transported as we fluidly shift from prayers to the various songs our family has collected over there years: a classic learned in my 1st grade hebrew school class, "oh channukah, oh channukah come light my menorah, let's have a party, we'll all dance the hora" seamlessly transitions to a ditty my sister brought home from her 7th grade spanish lessons, "una candelika, dos candelikas....ocho condelas para mi.  ocho candelas para ti!  OYE"

It's our very own synthesis of tradition and evolution
all housed in the warmth of my apartment
the voices of my favorite people singing and laughing
together
at a distance

Happy Channukah & Cozy Winter, all!