As a Chanukah-observer, especially when it falls before Xmas, I look around at all the stressed-out people scrambling to afford an illusion that never seems to pan out or live up to unreal expectations, and feel a mix of mystification and relief.  Mystified that people continue to put themselves through all that grief, and relieved that for the most part I’m excused!  And done!  Now all we have to do is find a Chinese restaurant that’s open on Xmas.  So simple.  So much more affordable.  We’re not gloating!