Happy Chanukah! I can't believe I made a wreath!

My mother has dementia, and lives in an assisted living facility. At this time of year, most of the residents have gorgeous Christmas wreaths on their doors. For three years, Mom's door has been bare. Talk about Jewish guilt.

Although confused about most things, my mother - who is a Holocaust survivor - still knows she's Jewish, and inquires constantly whether my family and I are also Jewish. I reassure her, again and again. So this year, I decided to do something I've never done before - make a Chanukah wreath.

Oh,what fun it was! The artificial greenery base was from Michaels, on sale for $6! I added ribbons, blue sequins, a plastic dreidel (middle right) and a real brass menorah complete with residue of colored candle wax left over from previous years. A hot glue gun and green floral wire figured prominently in the process.

Next, I wondered how one hangs it. I remembered a newsletter from Mom's place that said something about wreath hangers, but I didn't know what they looked like or where to get them. I called, and a staffer told me that they provide them.

When I arrived bearing the wreath, it was admired by the staff, who told me I should go into business, Then they handed me a bent piece of red metal,  adorned with a sparkly Christmas tree.

We put it on Mom's door, and I wheeled her over to look at it.

I pointed out the menorah, and the dreidel, and then a helpful staffer standing nearby pointed out the Christmas tree! Mom smiled happily at it all! I declare that a happy ending.

My Mom. Can you believe she's 88? 

Happy holidays to you and all your loved ones!