Miriam Stein

MSW, writer

Why would [my aunt] bring a Christmas symbol into her home in Israel? Had the Christmas season I had hoped to avoid by visiting in mid-December followed me to this Jewish refuge?

On the other hand, I welcome Christmas or seasonal cards from friends... I look forward to my Christmas gift from a close Catholic friend, a token of her affection, and enjoy her choral group’s annual Christmas concert.

Making Peace With Christmas

Miriam Stein: "What really makes me feel like I don’t belong are the official ways that Christmas is celebrated in our supposedly secular country. December 25 is a legal holiday. Many public offices feature wreaths and Santa Claus, symbols of the season." Pictured: Christmas lights glow on the tree at Faneuil Hall in Boston. (Charles Krupa/AP)