When a Baby Turns a Holiday into Pure Magic.
Thom was the Segelis family’s first granddaughter, the much-anticipated firstborn who, under normal circumstances, would have been showered with all the love, admiration, and attention that a first grandchild typically receives.
But there was one tiny hiccup—she was thousands of miles away, growing up in Amsterdam while her doting grandparents and aunts were in Israel.
Their first chance to meet her was when she was about four months old, during my sister’s wedding.
I had flown to Israel with her, eager to introduce her to my side of the family.
But between wedding preparations, ceremonies, and family obligations, Yoni’s parents and sisters barely had time to soak in all the baby snuggles they had been dreaming of. It was like getting a tiny taste of something delicious and then having it snatched away before you could savor it.
So, just before Thom’s first birthday, the Segelis family decided to take matters into their own hands.
They packed their bags, booked their flights, and made a surprise decision to spend Pesach with us in Amsterdam.
Yoni’s parents, Nitza and Dani, along with his two sisters, landed in the Netherlands in April 1998, eager to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, his sister’s partners (Nir & Alon) had to stay behind due to work commitments, but that just meant more Thom-time for the ones who made it!
Now, in my family, Pesach is an all-out, Broadway-style production.
There are songs, dances, a full-blown reenactment of the Exodus—it’s a BIG deal.
But for the Segelis family, Pesach was just another dinner, maybe with a slightly more traditional menu, but certainly not a grand affair.
This time, however, the main event wasn’t matzot or four cups of wine—it was Thom.
For a full week, she was the undisputed star of the show.
She had an entire fan club dedicated to her entertainment, amusement, and general adoration.
Her aunts took turns perfecting their babysitting skills, playing games, making funny faces, and delighting in every giggle and gurgle.
Her grandparents were over the moon, soaking in every cuddle, every new milestone, every adorable expression.
And for once, even her own parents—who were usually buried in work—paused, took a deep breath, and simply enjoyed being with family.
The only downside? Amsterdam in April is unpredictable. As the Dutch say, “April doet wat hij wil” (April does what it wants).
One moment it’s sunny and pleasant, the next, you’re caught in a downpour or battling icy winds.
That year, April decided to lean more toward winter, making outings a bit tricky. But, bundled up in coats, scarves, and boots, we still managed to give Yoni’s family a taste of Amsterdam’s quirks, from canals and bicycles to cozy cafés and charming streets.
On their last night, we booked a restaurant to celebrate—a proper send-off to a wonderful visit.
Even the most serious members of the group (yes, Yoni, that means you!) couldn’t resist the joy of having a tiny, giggling baby in our midst.
She had an almost magical ability to bring out the playful side in everyone, reminding us all that no matter how grown-up or responsible we think we are, there’s always an inner child just waiting for an excuse to come out and play.
That Pesach wasn’t just about traditions or family reunions—it was about connection.
It was about cherishing the moments that matter, and about realizing that sometimes, all it takes is a one-year-old to remind us how to truly celebrate life.
