[JewishHolidaysInABox.com update: we are going out of business at the end of 2018. The business and URL are for sale. Passover Seder Steps Follow-Along games are available in bulk at significant discount.  Email [email protected] for details.]

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 grands love it and it freezes beautifully. And there’s nothing better than applesauce on potato latkes. So I can give them a batch to take home.

While you’re busy in the kitchen, what can young ‘uns do with little supervision? 

Hanukkah Centerpiece

They can create a Hanukkah display that will last through all eight days of Hanukkah.

Provide them with a big platter or basket. Then give them whatever you have of these elements to assemble into a beautiful display: dreidels, Hanukkah gelt in gold or silver foil, walnuts in their shells (if you use them when you play dreidel), Hanukkah cookie cutters, Hanukkah candles.

You’ll be amazed at how proud they are of their creation!

Hanukkah Decorations

There’s a reason that paper chains have been around for decades – materials are inexpensive; they are easy to make;and they are very festive. Depending on the ages of your children, they can handle some or all of this project. If they cut easily, they can cut the paper strips. Very young children can choose which color to add next. Older children can staple.

How can the littles wrap presents for others in the family?

If you give gifts, you can either:

Prewrap them in something plain (like brown trash bags), then ask the kiddoes to embellish with markers, stickers, glitter glue, etc. That way, what’s inside is still secret.

OR, for older kids, they can hide themselves in a room away from others and do the actual wrapping for you. Just make sure they say who the present is for so you’re not left guessing!

Hungry for more Hanukkah ideas? Check out our Pinterest page.

 

Hanukkah Bingo – Going, Going . . .

If you would like to purchase one of our last Hanukkah Bingo Games, with its A-rating in all categories from toytips.com, you have three choices (until they’re gone):

Hanukkah Bingo Game-In-A-Bag, Amazon’s Choice!

 

 

Hanukkah Family Fun Kit

 

Jewish Holidays Games Bundle-In-A-Bag

Comes with three games – Hanukkah Bingo, Rosh Hashanah Bingo, and Passover Seder Steps Follow-Along!