DO: A Simple Hanukkah for Christians

Simple Hanukkah Celebration
This year, we are adding in another celebration, along with our Christmas festivities. For the longest time, I had never heard the story of Hanukkah, so I lumped it into a "Jewish-only holiday" category in my mind. When I finally heard the story, I knew we had to add it into our celebration (p.s. an added benefit is that it places more focus on the God who we are celebrating, rather than the gifts we are receiving!) It is a wonderful story of courage, of overcoming desperate odds, and standing even when faith fails in everyone around us. 
Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of Jewish people over religious persecution.

Consider doing something simple, like a side table set up with your Hanukkah items. Menorah, dreidels, & small gifts.

If you would like to add a Hanukkah celebration to your holiday season, I found some great things at Target. I purchased a menorah, darling little candles, dreidel crafts and dreidels for game playing with the kids after dinner. 

Potato Latkes!

How do you celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah begins every year on the 25th of the Hebrew month of "Kislev." This year, the 25th of Kislev corresponds to the evening of Tuesday, December 20th, 2011. 

• Beginning at sundown, light the candles on your menorah (first night, one candle is lit, etc...)
• Have dinner together as a family - this year I am going to try to make the traditional "potato latkes".
• Share gifts (not necessary, especially if you celebrate Christmas! :)
• Play a family game (dreidels)

MORE RESOURCES & RECIPES

If you would like to learn more about Hanukkah, check out these great resources:

History.com Hanukkah (video only 4 minutes)

Hanukkah worksheet for kids 

Traditional Hanukkah recipes


Hanukkah actually means "re dedication", so take some time to reflect on dedicating yourself and the new year ahead to Christ. I hope you enjoy learning more about the celebration this year. God bless, Kristen