Passover is one of the most important holidays not just because of the history of Jewish ancestry escaping from slavery, but also because we are supposed to welcome others into our home to celebrate the seder.
How often do we think of reaching out to others that might not have somewhere to go on a holiday? Too often after the fact, people say “why didn’t you tell me…that you had nowhere to go”?
I hear this far too often in relation to myself and others who might not be invited out for holidays. In the last two years, the only holidays I have been invited to by others are three times for Break-fast, once for Thanksgiving and once for New Year’s Eve.
I went with my friend for break-fast in for break-fast 2015 and New Year’s Eve 2015/16. I am always invited for break-fast to my brother’s house. In the last 23 months, I do not remember being invited for another holiday.
My step-cousins who I know only through social media invited me to thanksgiving in 2015, but I decided to stay home. I have learned to be ok with spending all the holidays by myself with the exception of New Year’s Eve I have become ok with being alone on holidays.
I even welcome it in some ways. I am able to cook what I want without worrying about who will and will not eat what is for dinner.
For tonight I am making cod ceviche in place of Gefilte Fish, it’s easier to make and a lot healthier. I added horseradish instead of peppers, broccoli and carrot slaw and an eight veggie mix similar to mirepoix.
An orange-apple charoset (can’t eat nuts and shouldn’t eat dates or prunes.). I added white wine and brown sugar (I forgot to buy cinnamon).
It would be nice to go to be invited somewhere on holidays. I feel like the feral child in my own family. Passover is supposed to be the one holiday where it’s ok to invite yourself somewhere or ask for an invite.
Being alone has also taught me to be welcome with my own company. Learning to do that helps virtually everyone to be comfortable in their own skin. Not everyone is in a position to be able to do their own cooking and even be able to feed themselves.
I have learned with each holiday even if I do not receive an invitation or am welcome at someone’s house to make something that is appropriate to the holiday and feel welcome with my own company. I usually add in some entertainment like watching football on Thanksgiving and it doesn’t matter where I am or am not welcome.
Out Here on My Own 
It’s amazing… I think you are the only person online who has addressed this issue. I, too, am alone– for different reasons. My sister moves her Seder to the Night of the Easter Vigil, but since we weren’t raised religiously Jewish, I had become Catholic, long ago. I sing in the church choir on holidays, instead (including the Easter Vigil). But I don’t have plans on Easter Day, either! I can’t cook and am elderly and disabled; so for me, it’s important either to find a restaurant open on holidays, or something equally equivalent and exciting. This year, with all the singing I’m doing, I’m not as prepared as I normally am for being “alone”. And until today, there was still the chance I might get to a Seder; I hinted around in two cases, but was ignored. Long story. Then too, there are transportation issues, as I don’t drive.
My Easter plans have apparently fallen thru… (sometimes people invite, then change their minds, and make other plans. Frustrating! I spend Easter trying to forgive them ).
But with all the singing, I probably will be exhausted, anyway. And I am going out the following day, so that is good.
You are lucky to enjoy cooking. I am constantly trying to find creative ways to be alone, too. Lately, I often write poems– sometimes, out of doors. The food part I haven’t yet quite got straight; Chinese is normally open on holidays; but also looking for some other alternatives that don’t cost too much.
Thanks for addressing this issue. Being Single and alone is a bitch. But it’s also an opportunity for creativity! I think that’s what you are saying, and I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad I was able to touch you with this post. You have a fascinating religious history. Your response is amazing. Being alone can be a battle. In the past I have often used social media as a crutch to connect with others. I am trying to turn to blogging more lately to do that. The nastiness of social media has increasingly seemingly been overtaking the good that is creates, particular with those seeking to reach out to others like them. I would love to see your poems.
LikeLike