JPG: Photos: "I Married A Gentile" by Jan Hoffman

I Married A Gentile

Hot! In Photo Challenge: Best Holidays Ever Sponsored by MOO

by Jan Hoffman

Uploaded 28 Dec 2007 — 14 favorites

Forty years ago last November I was lucky enough to marry an Irish Catholic woman. As a Jew I was not initially prepared for a number of holidays and rituals but now after forty years it all seems so "normal" and right to me.

This is one of several trays of ornaments that just did not fit right on the Christmas tree this year. It all involves themes, artistic balance but most importantly: how much room there is to hang the bazillion ornaments that we have.

No doubt next year these ornaments will be rotated into use again.

13 responses

James Wei said (28 Dec 2007):
Hehe, I am speechless with these artefacts.
Beautiful presentation and mood though. Great shot!
Jan Hoffman said (28 Dec 2007):
James -- Thanks for the comment.
--Best regards, Jan
Jan Hoffman said (11 Jan 2008):
Charles -- Thanks! I guarantee that Bucky will rejoin his friends on the tree next year.
--Best regards, Jan
judy fouse gave props (16 Jan 2008):
And I thought I had a variety of ornaments. Very cool. My background Irish but not Catholic.I ususually try to put up two Christmas trees, but still can't get up all the ornaments.
Jason Watt said (25 Feb 2008):
Good work. Interesting narrative quality, with humour.
Respect your 'tour' history immensely.
Julia Grachova said (27 Mar 2008):
i almost can feel it... actually I do feel it. Love this shot!
Julie Norris gave props (9 Aug 2008):
One reason I like doing just the menorah, much less to store :) Excellent shot and fun ornaments!
Lynn H gave props (9 Aug 2008):
Very cute story!
coco rose said (27 Sep 2008):
I married an Italian Catholic but I got so into the whole holiday spirit that he ended up complaining about all my decorations.....I was a quick convert....not to the faith but to the holiday spirit......love your ornaments.....
Ronnie Ginnever gave props (20 Nov 2008):
I love looking at this photo.
Brandi Engeman said (20 Nov 2008):
I just love this, I feel every year that if I leave a favorited ornament off the tree I am somehow betraying its feelings and you have captured this feeling with your little box of ornaments...and your comments on marrying interfaithfully reminds me of my first Christmas with my husband! What memories...
Alexandru Valentin Iedu gave props (5 Mar 2009):
LOVELY PHOTO
Maura Wolfson-Foster gave props (21 Apr 2009):
We always celebrated both growing up/now - y'know the Chanukah bush AND Santa Claus!