We've all heard the old cliché, "What do Jewish folks do on Christmas? Eat Chinese food and go to the movies!" But how true is this in Hawaii?
Local families tend to celebrate many different occasions in a couple of ways here in the "Aloha State." One is the quintessential Luau, a festive gathering of friends and family who (often help prepare, and) enjoy a lavish spread of Hawaiian delicacies that features an Imu (underground oven of rocks) roasted pig.
The other, more popular and easier way, is a festive gathering of friends and family at the local Chop Sui. Yes, Christians in Hawaii eat Chinese food on Christmas! NOW what do we do? On the mainland, Chinese restaurants are virtually the only thing open on Christmas. Lots of tables available, no waiting - just two minorities helping each other out. Ha! Not so in Honolulu. You virtually need to make reservations to ensure a table - walk-in customers wait forever for a table! Nevermind that the food isn't kosher - it's a Jewish tradition gone forever.
Ah, at least there's the cinema, right? Wrong. Christmas day is one of the biggest movie opening days of the year - oy! Just look at all the blockbusters that will be unleashed on Jesus' b-day: It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, featuring Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, and Heath Ledger's final role, even Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel!
Crowded theaters, crowded Chinese restaurants… that leaves just one thing. An evening at home with the family and Monies on Demand - don't forget to break out the chopped liver Yule log!
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