Get stories and expert advice on all things related to college and parenting.
Easy College Meals to Prepare in Advance
CollegiateParent
In the immortal words of Adam Sandler, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah consists of “eight crazy nights.” It can get even crazier as we look for creative ways to celebrate Hanukkah with family, especially with our bigger kids.
Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. This year, it begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. “Chanukkah” is often the more traditional spelling of Hanukkah. The traditional story of Hanukkah features the miracle of the oil, which was only enough to last one night, but actually burned for eight nights.
Not Jewish? Not a problem. You can celebrate Hanukkah even if you’re not Jewish. Forward this article to a Hanukkah-celebrating friend, or consider adding some Hanukkah-themed ideas to your own holiday celebrations.
If you’re new to Judaism, we have you covered with some tips to help you celebrate Hanukkah for the first time. By donning colorful holiday clothing, serving up traditional meals and sweet treats, and staging hilarious family activities, you’ll make Hanukkah eight nights to remember.
Do not hesitate to beg or bribe your family to pose. No time to order coordinating dreidel shirts? Pick matching hues and incorporate some of your favorite holiday decor. Holiday shirts are also a good way for an interfaith family to showcase their personal style while including the different winter holidays.
There's no need for a professional photographer. Enlist a neighbor, and you’ve got a 10-minute easy smartphone photo shoot. completely uninterested, never underestimate the power of a good selfie: the 10-second version of the family photo.
Grab some foil-wrapped chocolate coins, lovingly known as Hanukkah gelt, to share with your family and friends. Your interfaith family or the neighbors may really enjoy bags of gelt, especially since it’s something that Santa never brings.
If it has been a tough year, allow yourself that extra coin. Or two.
This is a long-standing tradition in some families, and it can be interesting to watch the kids’ selections change throughout the years. The child who chose animal charities when he was little, may now want to select something like The Trevor Project, dedicated to helping and supporting at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth. It can give you insight into your big kid and will definitely make one night of Hanukkah extra meaningful.
It feels good to give back and gives the family a chance to reflect on gratitude and share with each other why a particular charity is meaningful to them.
Let everyone choose a game out of the old game closet to wrap for family fun to be played on a night of Hanukkah. You wouldn’t believe how hilarious it can be to have four adults playing Hungry Hungry Hippo.
After you're done, consider giving away any games that are no longer a fit for your family. Perhaps your collector’s edition Candy Land can head to the preschoolers down the street.
Often we think about how special people are in our lives, so maybe this is the year you should immortalize your words on paper.
When you celebrate Hanukkah in your own writing, it is so much more powerful than a text message or email. You could make someone's lonely holiday season a whole lot brighter just by letting them know how much they mean to you.
If you've never had a latke, think McDonald’s hash brown, only infinitely better. Add a dollop of applesauce, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra pizazz.
It’s likely your favorite celebrity chef has their own spin on the latke. You can even throw in carrots and spinach for a healthy twist on the classic.
No matter what your religion, eating latkes is a delicious way to take part in the Hanukkah season. And be sure to freeze some to send back with your college kid for a taste of home after the holidays.
Jelly donuts are a traditional Hanukkah treat. But in an effort to counter the calories, accompany your donuts with a dance off!
Everyone in the family can pick their favorite song. Trust me, the kids will love to bust out a song with questionable lyrics — roll with it and show them those polished 80’s and 90’s moves.
If you can't get together in person with loved ones, schedule a Zoom menorah lighting. As the glow of candles fills your screen, along with smiles and laughter, you'll feel connected in love and light even if you are far apart.
You could sing a song or two, and even play dreidel.
No matter how you spell it, Chanukah is a time for family and celebration.
For the loved ones who are no longer with us, we cherish their memories and hold them in our hearts. The lights of Hanukkah and the sparkle of the holiday season can still shine bright with hope for the New Year.
Wishing a Happy and Healthy Hanukkah to those who celebrate and a safe and warm holiday season to all.
Photos courtesy of the author.
We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and receive a small fee when purchases are made through links to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
