Vox Tablet

The Truth About Santa, as Revealed to a Jewish Girl Circa 1980

Canadian comedian Ophira Eisenberg tells of the day she went to the mall and conquered her Christmas envy once and for all

December 24, 2013
(Talya Modlin)
(Talya Modlin)

For those who are prone to Christmas envy—particularly but not exclusively the elementary-school set—this has been a challenging year. Hanukkah ended weeks ago, and ever since, we’ve just had to grin and bear it in the face of the annual onslaught of red and green and jingle and sparkle.

Ophira Eisenberg, comedian, writer, and host of the weekly NPR trivia show “Ask Me Another,” is no stranger to this Christmas envy. Eisenberg grew up a religious minority in Calgary, Alberta, at a time when schools saw no need to take an inclusive approach to religious and cultural traditions. Here’s her tale of Christmases past, which was brought to our attention after she shared it at a live story-telling event for The Moth.

Vox Tablet is Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast, hosted by Sara Ivry and produced by Julie Subrin. You can listen to individual episodes here or subscribe on iTunes.

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