Eight Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah

Being Jewish in Texas can sometimes feel a little isolating. I’ve had friends ask me how Jews celebrate Easter (we don’t), been confronted by countless proselytizers (please don’t do this), and been accused of being bah humbug for wanting Halloween to be over before the lights go up and Christmas carols take over the radio. Don’t get me wrong – My household is mixed, and we try to make sure our kids experience traditions from both faiths and all holidays. But at this time of year, in the sea of twinkling lights and public spaces lined with Christmas trees, the Festival of Lights can feel massively overshadowed. And the task of passing down the customs of Hanukkah, and the Jewish culture in general, feels more important than ever. Whether you’re feeling the weight of millennia or simply wanting to learn more, here are eight simple ways to celebrate Hanukkah at home.

Read A Hanukkah Story

Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom and small miracles, and there’s no better way to honor the spirit of the holiday than to share its story. More than 2000 years ago, when Israel was part of the Seleucid Empire, the Jews fought to reclaim their sacred Temple in Jerusalem. To purify and rededicate the Temple, they lit the ner Tamid (eternal light), which is intended to remain perpetually lit. Sadly they could only find enough oil to last one night, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days.

One of my family’s favorite Hanukkah traditions is to read and discuss this story. Share the story, talk about miracles, and talk about religious freedom. Check out this kid friendly version by David A. Adler.  

Light the Menorah

Eight Nights of Hanukkah wouldn’t be complete without lighting the Menorah. This principal tradition is at the heart of celebrating Hanukkah as it recalls the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. A candle is lit for each night, along with a special helper candle called the shamash, and a prayer is said giving thanks to God. In my house we light multiple menorahs, each with its own history and meaning. I have one from my childhood and two gifted from my mother before she died. Having so many candles gives both of my kids an opportunity to get in on the action, which they love, and standing with them in the glow of the Menorah is its own mini-miracle. All of the chaos of day-to-day life and the holiday season falls away, and I am reminded that this tradition links the Jewish people around the globe and through many generations. 

Do a Hanukkah Craft

Oh dreidel dreidel dreidel
I made it out of clay.
And when it’s dry and ready
Oh dreidel I shall play!

Mold a clay dreidel or create a toilet paper roll Menorah. Whatever craft you choose, you’ll be making Hanukkah memories. If you need some inspiration, here are 50 Hanukkah craft ideas that’ll keep you busy all eight days! 

Play a Round of Dreidel

When your dreidel is dry, grab some Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil) and play a round of dreidel. This four-sided spinning toy bears the Hebrew letters נ, ג, ה, ש on each side, which represent the statement, “נס גדול היה שם‎” (Ness Gadol Haya Sham) which means “a great miracle happened there” recalling the miracle of Hanukkah. The game is simple, fun, and a great excuse to eat chocolate. 

Exchange Gifts

Eight nights of Hanukkah means eight nights of presents! Part of the fun of gifts is opening them, and with Hanukkah you get to do it over and over (and over!) again. That’s eight nights of toys being brand new. Eight nights of watching your kids agonize over the decision of which one to open. And eight nights of seeing their faces light up at new surprises. 

Tzedakah

Tzedakah in Hebrew means “justice” or “righteousness”, and for Jews around the world it is practiced through charitable giving. In our home, each of my kids had a Tzedakah box where they save a portion of their allowance each week. At Hanukkah we cash it in, using the money to spread some holiday cheer. With my littles this is a toy shopping spree to donate to our local toy drive. As they get older, it will be an opportunity to talk about charities and the importance of donating to causes that are important to them. However you choose to do it, practicing Tzedakah is a meaningful way to add to your Hanukkah traditions. 

Finding Everyday Miracles

At its heart, Hanukkah is a celebration of miracles, one small jar of oil that lasted for eight full days. But miracles happen all around us every day. It might not feel as fantastical as the parting of the Red Sea, but when my daughter asks me to read a new book with her, I feel like the luckiest mama in the world that this tiny amazing person wants to spend time with me. And when my son gives me giant bear hugs and tells me I’m his best friend, my heart feels like it might explode with happiness. Hanukkah is the perfect time to shine a light on this kind of ordinary magic, so this year we’re starting a new tradition of sharing our everyday miracles. Whether it’s an act of kindness or some unexpected luck, I love hearing about all the small simple things that bring them joy throughout the day. 

Eat Traditional Foods

it wouldn’t be a proper Jewish celebration if there wasn’t food involved, making the last way to celebrate Hanukkah the most delicious. And because Hanukkah is a holiday about a jar of oil, all of the traditional foods are fried. I’m not gonna lie, I’m terrible at making latkes. Fortunately Kenny & Ziggy’s near the Galleria sells them by the dozen. Equally vexing are sufganiyot, a cross between a beignet and jelly donut, that is a Hanukkah dessert staple. Whether you make them yourself or get them takeout, ending the holiday with a plate of something fried and delicious will lock in those Hanukkah memories for years to come.

From traditional foods and religious customs passed down through generations, to modern day crafting and gift exchanges, each of these eight ideas offers a chance to connect with your family and find mini-miracles with new traditions. I hope your Hanukkah is filled with light, meaning, and deliciously fried food!

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