If you’re an immigrant, there are memories and traditions you have that don’t make sense in the context of your new homeland and identify. For some Russian Jews, one such tradition is decorating a tree to celebrate the New Year 1/3

Because this ritual and timing overlap with Christmas, it’s sometimes frowned upon in the US and in Israel as “not Jewish.” To that I say, leave me alone and go live your life. It’s a happy memory, one of few from a not very glamorous USSR childhood. 2/3

I choose to keep the traditions that make me happy, from all the places and cultures that make me who I am and letting go of those that don’t appeal to me. That’s actually one of the best parts of the immigrant experience-the tapestry of cultures within you. 3/3