Chanukah

Along with the most commonly celebrated holidays of Christmas and Chanukah, parents and older family members might find themselves besieged with questions from kids about the story of Chanukah and Christmas. Here's a quick guide to fielding those questions.

After several years working with international students and living in a city that has such a wealthy of diversity, not only do I get to participate in all the exciting events and opportunities for Christmas but I also get to witness first hand some other holidays as well as how other cultures may celebrate Christmas.

In different places in the world, specific cultural flavor has been added to Chanukah traditions. Chanukah's theme celebrates Jewish survival against great odds. Chanukah is eight days long and is mostly celebrated in the home, with candle lighting, special holiday foods, songs and playing dreidel. 

It's that Jewish holiday in December. You know, the one with the menorah, the dreidels, gelt, presents ... and no concrete way to spell the holiday. Is it Hanukkah? Chanukah? Chanukkah? Hanuka? Do you have to clear your throat when you say it, or does it sound like it starts with H? Do you need to say "ch" as in "chin" or "KH" like you're about to cough?? Relax. Here is an explanation.

You may be wondering: How do you play the dreidel game? Dreidel is a traditional game played during the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. A dreidel is a toy, a top shaped a bit like a cube with a point on the bottom and a stem at the top to grab and give it a spin.

Here are some Chanukah songs and activities kids can do with their parents each night to make each night different and filled with celebration of the themes of Chanukah. These don't have to be done in order - choose based on your family's preferences, schedule, and idea of fun.

Learn about the rich and meaningful history of Chanukah, which celebrates both an historical event and a miraculous story found in the Talmud, a set of commentary written by rabbinic sages. 

Very soon, the lovely celebration of Light, Hanukkah or Chanukah, will begin. Whether Jewish, Christian, Muslim or whatever your creed, Hanukkah is a lovely holiday to explore and enjoy. Here are some free lesson plans, coloring pages, puzzles, games and activities to help celebrate and understand this winter holiday.

No matter how you spell it (Hanukkah, Hannukah or Chanukah), let's celebrate it! Often misunderstood as the "Jewish Christmas," Chanukah is not a major holiday in the Jewish calendar, but one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

With a combination of smart planning throughout the year, and using the idea of making Chanukah a family holiday, anyone can balance Chanukah gifts and fun family time without ending up feeling like they've spent more than they could afford.