Like many of you, we are an interfaith family – with a rare opportunity this year to weave together our traditions. Hanukkah begins on December 22. When we gather this year, we hope to be together for several nights of Hanukkah, including Christmas. But we want to downplay the gifts. SO – we will follow my daughter’s lead and create themed nights, as they do when they are home for Hanukkah. Games night. Books night. Outside exploring night. And while we have all decided to limit gifts to one per child, we want them to understand the pleasure of giving to others, too. My hope … [Read more...]
Save Recyclables Now for Hanukkah Crafting
Countdown - 45 days till Hanukkah! Thanks to this great post from creativejewishmom.com, I can share with you her reminder to start saving your recyclables now to make all kinds of fun Hanukkah crafts. It was definitely a wake up call for me! So here’s what she recommends holding onto: Cereal boxes to make gift packages – I would never have thought of that! What a great idea. Aluminum foil boxes and tubes to make Hanukkah menorahs. Toilet paper tubes – also to make Hanukkah menorahs. Milk cartons - to make gift packages and more. Again, I never would have … [Read more...]
Early Hanukkah But Not Quite Thanksgivvukah
Remember a few years back when Thanksgiving and Hanukkah actually overlapped? This year, we have a *whole* week between. But it’s worth imagining how we can use the long Thanksgiving weekend to get a head start on planning and decorating to celebrate Hanukkah. For our family, as sad as I am to acknowledge this, we probably won’t be able to get together with the out-of-towners during Hanukkah. So creating some Hanukkah moments over T-Day weekend will have to be enough. What can you cook double for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah? For me, it’s a big batch of homemade applesauce. Our … [Read more...]
Early Hanukkah - Are You Ready?
There was an audible gasp when I mentioned to friends that Hanukkah starts on Sunday, December 2nd. That’s the Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving weekend. And even though I have long known the date, I haven’t quite wrapped my head around just how quickly Hanukkah is coming. So with just over a month to go, what do you need to do now? Step 1. Download our free e-books to give you ideas and decorating materials. Just click here and scroll down the page to get free downloads of “Celebrate Hanukkah: How to Light … [Read more...]
