Ha! Who would have ever thought of that for a Hallmark card? Or, American Greetings? I am after all in Cleveland! Having experienced Chemo Holidays, I can assure you that the holidays can be very warm and festive on chemotherapy.

Being a Jew by Choice, I was raised Catholic and my daughter gets to do the double holiday thing, but rarely simultaneously. With Hanukkah’s first night falling on Christmas Eve this year, and 2nd Night on Christmas itself, we had a very rich celebration indeed. My daughter was particularly enthralled by the visual blend of both worlds.

Here is a link to a little video of Lighting The Candles for 2nd Night,

But the Holidays are all about Family, and I had all my sisters with me! Thanks Sister Sledge. In front of the Blue Hanukkah Bush. Right?

And my Dad, and his wife Wendy, and some new comers with family (always welcome!)

Matt & Tiff (family)              Bookends Mike w/ family Julie and center Cortney w/ family Ben

And the Frenchies!          Half family.

Our Cooks for Christmas Dinner, Leesa with helper Jack family, & Games Galore!

I baked up a storm! Hanukkah Cookies, Christmas Cookies and Apple Dumplings!

I was so fortunate as to have the Holiday weekend coincide with an end of cycle where I had energy and felt good and was truly able to enjoy the food, and join in festivities. I so enjoyed just being IN THE MOMENT. We joked about my occasional change of hair, and about the hair I SHOULD go out and get (blue, pink, red), and my lack of nasal hair, and about how much faster I could get dressed because of my options. We were all so happy to be able to be together. I’m a very lucky Chemo-Girl!

We all sang Christmas Carols, and for the first time, Rebecca played accompaniment to my Brother-In-Law Tom who leads with his guitar when we do sing a longs. They were really very good; few of the singers met their abilities!

Every greeting, every smile, every laugh, every quite moment of beauty was priceless. Happy Chemo Holidays to all my family and friends!