In interfaith households, the Times informs us, holiday traditions are fraught with tension and discomfort. Because, well, Jews will be Jews: "When her sons were toddlers, Amy Manata, a Jewish woman with a Catholic husband, began conducting a silent war. In the months leading up to Hanukkah, she would ask the boys, now 4 and 6, which toys they wanted most, then bestow them at Hanukkah to ensure that it was a better holiday than Christmas." Also, gays will be gays: "Scott was like, 'Would you please turn that off?' I was like, 'It's not "Jingle Bells." It's Diana Krall.'"