An interesting fact about me is that I lived with a Jewish family in college. The woman I rented a bedroom from was a single mom in need of a little extra income. I had all the amenities of living with a family and the added bonus of learning about another culture. 

The family was a bit like people who only attend church on Christmas and Easter or Chr-easters as I often call them. They didn’t practice their faith regularly but celebrated holidays and kindly included me in their holidays, which really broadened my worldview.

I never had an opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah with them as I typically returned home for Christmas break before it began. By chance this year, I was visiting a museum that hosts educational activities for kids on the first day of Hanukkah. Museum staff knew our group was unfamiliar with traditions and practices of the holiday. They invited us to join in some of the fun children’s activities and we gladly accepted the chance to learn more about the culture. 

There were several craft stations for the kids where you could decorate a dreidel, miniature menorah or lantern. They also had orange slices as a sweet snack for participants. 

Our adult group decorated thin round disks with markers and stickers, then a helpful little boy showed us how to slobber glue on a dowel to attach the disc so you can create the spinner. The lanterns were glass jars or plastic bottles decorated to be carried by the kids in a parade through the community later that night.

When it was time to light the menorah, all of the families joined in songs similar to Christmas carols. The songs were in Hebrew. I didn’t understand the words but they were sung with great excitement by the children. Plus, they were accompanied by an accordion which makes everything seem more festive.

The event felt just like a Christmas party at a small-town library or community center. Kids creating fun crafts to liven up the celebration, joyful songs sung with more enthusiasm than skill and sweet treats to wrap everything together. 

The origins and significance of Hanukkah is very different from Christmas but at this event it felt so familiar. The children were having fun with each other, parents were visiting and grandmothers were watching lovingly to make sure everyone had what they needed. Kids were sharing, kindness was flowing and the air was filled with an infectious kind of happiness that only holidays can bring. 

This brief window into the traditions of Hanukkah wasn’t in-depth or life-changing, but it was the type of memorable experience l cherish. In a world full of hard days and complex problems, it is nice to be reminded of all the good that comes from celebrating holidays together. I love seeing families spending time together, people sharing faith and communities celebrating the traditions that make them unique.

As you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you and your family peace, love and joy. May your family traditions bring you together for many years to come.