First let me be clear....I know that Chanukah is over.  However, I am not clear if it is spelled Hanukkah or Chanukah.

Second, as you are aware, my kids attend public school.  That means when the holidays roll around my kids learn about each and every one of them.  Personally, I think this is wonderful.  I realize some people do not agree with me on this and to them I say bah humbug. 

Lessons always include the big three--Christmas, (C)Hanukah, and Kwanza and may or may not include Festiva, Winter Solstice, Frosty the Snowman's birthday, First Snowfall Friday and Return Unwanted Presents Day.

After receiving a wonderful lesson on the Jewish celebration of (C)Hanukkah, my son's teacher asked "Does anyone have a menorah at home?"

Little G's hand shot right up.  "Yes"  he told her. "I have a menorah at home."

He proceeded to provide his teacher and classmates many details about this menorah and was so convincing that his teacher came down to the cafeteria later that day to ask me if we were Jewish.

The entire story made me smile and I didn't really think much about it.  Until later that week when the boy and I were at the Target getting some last minute presents and he proceeded to have a nervous breakdown in the middle of the isle because I wouldn't buy him his own menorah.

"I need this!" he said.

"It's so pretty," he said.

"I don't know why you won't get this for me."

It was so sad that I actually considered putting a menorah in his stocking but then I realized how bizarre that was.  Of course, the looks I was getting during the meltdown were priceless.  After all, I'm sure they weren't thinking there's a boy who just learned all about (C)Hanukkah.  Most likely they were thinking how sad it was that I wouldn't buy my Jewish son his own menorah.