I have some very fond memories of Christmas, because of my grandmother.
My mother was a convert to Torah Judaism back during the 2nd World War, and even though we naturally did not celebrate Christmas when I was little, we did go to my grandmother's house (as my parents put it), "to help Grandmom celebrate her holiday". So I have fond memories of Chanukah (with my family), and Christmas (with my grandmom.)
My grandmom did not celebrate Christmas religiously; she was more of what I call a "gastronomic Catholic" (!) I remember the 7 Fishes Dinner for Christmas Eve, the Torrone, the Baci candies, and a lot more.
My grandmom died in 1985, and my Mom died earlier this year, so this is my first holiday season without any of my family members alive (my entire family has passed on, apart from my older sister who I have not seen in years). All I have is my husband and our children, and of course, all of you guys.
I'm glad this is one Jewish forum where I can say these kinds of things; on some Jewish forums, if I mentioned that half my family was Catholic, I'd be looked at differently and treated differently.
I love this place, I finally found a Jewish forum where I can fit in, as a very right wing Jew who can relate to both "sides" of this holiday season!
(BTW I have a sign on my lawn that says, "Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah", which annoys to no end my next-door liberal Jewish neighbor who not only voted for Obama but had a lawn sign for him and campaigned for him, argh!!!!)
I told my neighbor that if she doesn't leave me alone re: my sign I will put a lifesize Nativity scene up next year, just for her! (j/k)