Purim 2024 WINS
This year was by far our favorite Purim that we have had as a family. From the week leading up to it to the aftermath, my husband and I rated it a 10/10.
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday celebrated annually, marking the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. It's characterized by festive customs including the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), exchanging gifts of food (mishloach manot), giving charity (matanot l'evyonim), and enjoying a celebratory feast (se'udat Purim). Additionally, dressing up in costumes and performing humorous skits (Purim spiel) are customary, reflecting the holiday's theme of disguise and hidden miracles.
For a little background, we moved our family from Baltimore, MD, to Surfside, Florida, about a year and a half ago, with this year being our second Purim. We moved from a large suburban home to a small apartment, and this year finally moved into a larger, kid-friendly building, and we are so happy here.
Last year, we focused on our children's friendships. South Florida, and our children’s schools specifically, are pretty spread out, but being the “new kids” last year, we had no problem focusing on our children's friendships and making that a priority.
After a more chilled-out and laid-back holiday last year, this year we were ready to throw it down and cultivate friendships and relationships with those we love around us.
Here are some major wins:
- Our older teens had an old friend (more like a brother) here for the holiday. Teens are in that weird in-between stage where they aren’t partying out late at night but aren’t really into majorly dressing up either. Having a friend to grab pizza with, shmooze with, etc., was a major win.
- We hosted an open house followed by a meal with some of our favorite people. No major schlepping around, we got to stay put and spend the day watching our kids enjoy pony rides, music, arts and crafts. The planning for this was more about booking things in advance instead of being busy running around on the day of.
- We attended adult parties: There was a women's event earlier in the week that included awesome Israeli food, all of us in ball gowns and tiaras, an open bar, and some really good celebratory adult time. There was also a Rooftop Party my husband and I attended, and even though I’m not typically a late-night person, this was so worth it. Many people hired babysitters to attend, and being surrounded by adults all just ready to have fun was really invigorating.
- We went to one neighborhood to deliver Shaloch Manos outside of our own, and the rest we gave to people attending our party. This was the main neighborhood where our kids' teachers were also, which was the biggest priority for us. We also brought Shaloch Manos to friends who live far away.
- I treated myself to Starbucks right after the morning Megillah reading.
- Our Shaloch Manos got lost in the mail, and it turned out to be a blessing. Although UPS lost the package I ordered, the kids still made gifts for their friends in themes that matched their costumes, but instead of giving physical gifts, we donated to charity and hosted our friends, which was much better.
Navigating who you are in a new place is challenging sometimes, and this year I really felt like the Weingots were truly the Weingots.
ONE BIG CAVEAT:
I do feel Purim takes on a different turn when your kids are older. Being able to shout out “Going to Megillah in 5 for whoever wants to come with!” and then leaving is a totally different experience than several years ago when there was a lot more logistics involved in even just getting the basics done.