On the third night of Hanukkah I realized I have a problem.
As I have stated before, I love to decorate for Hanukkah. Among my collection of dreidels, decorations and a few hanukkiahs, is a collection of stuffed animals. I now have almost 20 creatures that I purchased over the years.
As I prepare for the holiday, I search stores and synagogue gift shops to find a new animal or two to add to my collection. Some years I am feel fortunate because I find one. Sometimes I have an excellent year, like this year, when found two animals I did not have. That balances the many years when I cannot find a single one.
So, what happened on night three? I saw a Hanukkah bear I could not have! I went to a meeting, where we lit the Hanukkah candles. That was fine. But among those present was someone I knew, who brought along a Hanukkah bear clutching his own hanukkiah. I do not have that bear! I said nothing. I did not touch it. But in my heart, I felt a bit of bear envy.
I am sure that I have many bears he does not have. My collection includes two Pooh Bears and two Mickey Mouse dolls with driedels produced by the Walt Disney Company. I have two bears made by TY 13 year ago. These “Happy Hanukkah” bears have an official birthdate of December 25, 2005, which amuses me just a bit. But it makes sense because in 2005, December 25 was the first night!
In the past two years I have purchased the animals produced by the Mensch on A Bench company. My little Dreidel Dog was the first. This year it was Mitzvah Moose! I had to get it as my son-in-law is Canadian.
I have what I call my Father/Son white bears, and two lovely bears, one blue and one purple, that have dreidels on the soles of their feet.
I have a musical bear. And I have two trolls that were once my daughters, which have become part of my Hanukkah decorations.
I have a friend who also likes Hanukkah bears. When she first saw my collection, she asked where I got them. She declared her intention of collecting them as well. Now whenever I see a new one, I send her a text message, after I buy mine (lol), telling her where to go to purchase a new one for her collection. But come to think of it, she has never called to tell me about a new Hanukkah stuffed plush fluffy!
She at least has an excuse for her collection, she has little grandchildren.
To be honest, and I can finally admit it to myself, I collect these stuffed plush animals for me. At one time, I purchased two of each. Telling myself I was buying one for each of my children. But my children are adults now, and I am yet to become a grandmother. But I am still searching for these Hanukkah toys!
Well they say knowing you have a problem is the first step. But to be honest, I do not think there is a cure for this. I will continue to collect and display my fluffy Hanukkah friends. And I am sure I will continue to feel a bit of envy when I see that someone has one I do not own.
Hi. Happy Chanukah!! I love dolls and bears!!!! Harold, (Amy, daughter, married, husband) . Harold is going to Batman bears, many!! Thank you.
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Why ever deny yourself something that gives you pleasure and that harms no one!? Go for it! 🙂
Really! My husband would say. No more stuff! Lol.
LOL! Maybe it IS harming someone! 🙂
😊