“Jacob, Jacob and sons” I want to start singing as a woman surely too young to have so many children even for an orthodox Jew, shouts his name so many times it starts to lose all meaning.
Jacob is followed by a troop of biblically named children.
This family sets the trend for the day, as they come to collect their free presents, but do not, I repeat not, want to have their photo taken.
A pattern is emerging; some people just don’t want to be caught on camera visiting Santa, whether it is a religious Jews, a mother whose child has been sick all over her sleeve or the guy who has been dragged along by his girlfriend.
They are all worried about what people might think.
Truth is no one really cares. I have seen countless people - different nationalities, religions, races and creeds passing through the grotto, and really it’s just a bit of fun, or not depending on how much the children are crying.
I am still however, not sure how to deal with Jews when I see them walk by. I’m used to waving 30 times a minute, with a face that aches with smiles, and wants so badly to slip into a frown just once.
But somehow I stop when the noticeably religious Jews and their strollers waltz by, especially being Jewish myself.
I haven’t quite worked out what the etiquette is.
Of course for much of the time I don’t have to worry, those that don’t want to get caught in the waving game usually duck their heads or pretend to be on the phone or running after a child.
Actually, I take back the latter, there are children running around all over the place, their minders clearly not being one’s for over-exertion.
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