Our First Hanukkah
This year we’ve spent a lot of time learning about our heritage. We’re our family comes from, researching the various countries, as well as learning about the culture and holidays of those places and people. A few years back Bill and I both took a 23andMe DNA test and enjoyed learning all the tiny details of our lineage. We were able to use the reports and maps from this to help discuss and show the kids what we were talking about.
While we have tons of tiny mixed European ancestry. The largest single percentage comes from my side of the family, where I am 23.2% Ashkenazi Jewish. This comes from my paternal grandmother. So this year we are embracing this heritage and we are celebrating our first Hanukkah as a family.
I wanted to make our first Hanukkah as much fun as possible but still teach the reason for the celebration. My kids definitely learn best when things are fun and some special memories are made. With that in mind I put together a pretty great list of all the items I wanted to find to help us fully celebrate. We’ll be making latkes, playing dreidel, lighting our menorah and talking a lot about the reason for this celebration and the history that led to it.
Hanukkah Essentials
Hanukkah Pajamas from Chosen Thread
Hanukkah Sensory kit by Tinker Box Sensory
Hanukkah Gift Ideas
While the cooking, playing and menorah lighting are all part of the traditions, it’s also tradition that the children receive 8 small gifts, 1 each night of Hanukkah. Here are a few ideas for Hanukkah gifts.
Hanukkah: Festival of Lights golden book
