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Not everybody celebrates Christmas.

by Jenny Meade -- Being Savvy Kansas City

Sometimes religion is hard to explain to children. Especially at this time of year, if you happen to not be Christians celebrating Christmas.

My Jewish friends tell me that Hanukkah is not meant to be the holiday is has become here in the US. It is not really that high on the list of Holy Days within the Jewish tradition, it doesn't carry nearly the importance that Christmas does to Christians. But because of the December timing and the proximity to Christmas and the gift-giving extravaganza that has become, Hanukkah has sort lucked out in the Holy Holiday arena. Many Jews eschew the whole materializing of the holiday anyway, and quietly go about their business during December as if nothing exciting is happening. And many other families find that it's really hard to do that when you have young children, because as a parent, it breaks your heart to get the questions - why are they all getting presents and decorating cookies and stringing lights across trees, and all we get to do is light one candle each night and get one tiny present? Nevermind having Christmas parties in the public school classroom? Why is their December filled with green and red and silver and gold, and ours is all blue?

One upside is not having to traumatize your children by forcing them to sit on the lap of a big fat man in a red suit and take their picture while they scream in terror.

That sentiment came from a friend of mine who tried to fight that battle with her family by setting up their own traditions when the kids were young, but gave up and gave in to the craziness by the time they were in school.

So, I'd like to hear from some of you who deal with this. How do you explain the differences in your religion and traditions to your children, who really just want to be like all their friends?

In the meantime, here's a link to a printable worksheet you can use to sit down with your kids and discuss multicultural holidays. (Probably more appropriate for school age kids.)