Around Christmas time, we visited my mother's office. She works for one of those really big companies that bring vendors in on designated days. While we wandered around - or rather, my daughter ran around and I tried to keep up - a nice lady came over and asked Anna what she wanted Santa to bring her this year. "Santa?" Anna looked up, puzzled. "What presents do you want from Santa?" Presents was a word she understood and stopped trying to figure out what Santa meant.

While this looks like an innocent, harmless and really meaningless conversation, its one of those points in a choose your own path novel (anyone remember those?) for me. I'm a Jew. Do I say something that could cause this person embarrassment or do I stand and smile and go along with the script? Do I take away from her holiday spirit by reminding her that I'm not Christian, or do I set an example for my daughter in standing up for our identity?

During the winter holiday season, when I was growing up, my mother would have me say "Happy Holidays" to anyone who wished me a "Merry Christmas." We weren't trying to start a War on Christmas, rather simply remind others that not everyone is celebrating this holiday. And I would respond with a hearty "Happy Holidays," proud that I was Jewish and different.

I decided that perhaps there is such a thing as being too young for learning a lesson, and I went along with the script that time at my mom's office. I smiled while my daughter babbled on about presents and we went on our way. Although that conversation was short and innocent, I doubt I could categorize it as meaningless. It still bothers me and I'm still thinking about it.

But I think for now, I'll let her be in her happy bubble a little longer. Anna, now almost three, goes around with me on errands. To the supermarket, post office and the bank - the usual household stuff. On Friday, as we are preparing for Shabbat we wish our friends and family a "Good Shabbos" or "Shabbat Shalom." My daughter doesn't understand that not everyone in the world is Jewish. She goes around and on our errands wishes everyone - and I mean everyone - a "Good Shabbos." Most people don't have the foggiest idea what she's saying but smile anyway. I haven't burst her bubble yet - she's so happy for Shabbat to come. But one day soon, I'll have to explain that even though it's a nice idea, not everyone relates to or understands "Good Shabbos." And even though it's a happy greeting, she should consider first if she knows who she's talking to. And next time, I suppose, I'll say the same to someone who wishes my daughter a "Merry Christmas."