The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah will begin at sundown on Thursday, December 7. Since there are eight nights to this wonderful holiday, Macaroni KID has compiled a list of eight special ways to celebrate with your family!
| 1: CELEBRATE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY! |
There are more than a few Hanukkah celebrations happening in our area. Events are open to all ages unless otherwise specified.
- December 7-15: Denver's Amazing Menorah Hunt throughout Denver
- December 7: Chanukah at the State Capitol, Denver
- December 7: Community Chanukah Celebration at O'Brien Park, Parker
- December 9: Community Chanukah Celebration at Eastridge Recreation Center, Highlands Ranch
- December 9: Donut Showdown (Teens) at Cteen Lounge, Greenwood Village
- December 9: Hanukkah Pajama-Kah Party at Hebrew Educational Alliance, Denver
- December 10: Community Chanukah Celebration at Festival Park, Castle Rock
- December 10: Glow in the Dark Chanukah on Ice at Big Bear Ice Arena, Denver
- December 10: Community Chanukah Celebration at Bega Park, Littleton
- December 10: Community Chanukah Celebration at a private venue near City Park
- December 10: Chanukah Celebration at Cherry Creek North, Denver
- December 11: Community Chanukah Celebration at Greenwood Village City Hall
- December 11: Lights & Strikes (Ages 21-40) with YJP Denver (location provided with registration)
- December 16: YEEHanukkah (Ages 21+) at JCC Denver
| 2: COOK UP THE OIL! |
It is customary to eat foods fried or baked in oil (preferably olive oil) as the miracle of the Hanukkah menorah involved the discovery of a small flask of pure olive oil that was only supposed to last one day but miraculously lasted for eight!
Traditionally, potato latkes are served. But don't limit yourself to potatoes! You can make zucchini latkes, sweet potato latkes, apple latkes, or sufgan yot (donuts).
Hungry Girl even has a recipe for a no-guilt faux-tato pancake!
| 3: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT! |
The most important custom of Hanukkah is to light the menorah each night. Some families own a menorah for each family member and have a table full of beautifully lit candles.
Create a new family tradition by spending an evening making your own Hanukkah candles. Don't forget to share the miracle of Hanukkah by putting an electric menorah in your window.
| 4: SPIN THE DREIDEL! |
Play the Dreidel Game! Last year, our whole family played with colored chocolate gelt and had a blast making up rules as we went along.
You can also have contests to see who can spin the top the longest or the farthest. Some wise guy even combined it with poker to create "No Limit Texas Dreidel."
| 5: HAVE A SING-ALONG AND STORYTIME! |
Make sure you sit down to retell the miraculous story of Hanukkah and how the Maccabees managed to drive the Syrian army out of Jerusalem and reclaim their temple.
When the Jews prepared to rededicate their temple by relighting the "eternal flame," they had just enough consecrated oil to burn for one day after driving out their oppressors. Still, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days until new oil arrived to fuel the flame.
Another beautiful custom is to sit by the glow of the Hanukkah lights and sing songs together. Our family always sings "Chanukah, O Chanukah" after we say the blessings. For more songs and lyrics, visit jewishkids.org.
| 6: GIVE TZEDAKAH (CHARITY/GOOD DEEDS)! |
Hanukkah is more than just getting gifts. Dedicate one night to giving back to others in need.
Collect toys or food for a local organization, donate winter coats and accessories to local shelters, or visit an assisted living center or nursing home to celebrate Hanukkah with the residents.
| 7: THROW A PARTY! |
Gather friends, family, and neighbors online to celebrate together in a safe, socially-distanced way.
Plan activities you can do together in person or simultaneously while you connect on Zoom or in a Facebook Messenger Room, such as a dessert party, a dreidel tournament, or a round of Chanukah Mad-Libs.
Make edible menorahs and dreidels together — and then eat them together, too!
| 8: TAKE ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! |
In the story of Hanukkah, a small amount of oil, which should have lasted for only one day, miraculously sustained a flame for eight days. Unfortunately, when it comes to the world's natural resources, we cannot make them stretch as far as the oil in the story.
Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of conserving our natural resources so that we will continue to thrive, much like the flame in the story.
Some examples include replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, driving less, recycling more, lowering the thermostat, and using less hot water.
