Winter Holidays

There are many holidays celebrated around the world in the month of December. When you hear about festive holiday lights it could be in reference to decorated Christmas trees, candles on a Menorah, or the candlelight of Kwanzaa. It’s a special time of year when families, friends and communities come together to celebrate winter festivities and religious or cultural traditions.

The first celebration we will take a look at is Hanukkah (Chanukah), the Jewish festival of lights. Hanukkah celebrations start on the 25^th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. This year Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 20^th to 28^th. Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Greek pagans and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE. The Hanukkah story says that the Maccabees rededicated the Temple by lighting the eternal lamp. They found enough oil to last for only one night, but a miracle happened and the oil lasted for eight nights. This is why the holiday lasts for eight nights and why people light a menorah for Hanukkah. A Menorah is a candelabrum that holds nine candles. The candle usually positioned in the center is called the Shamash. The Shamash is lit first and each night of celebration it is used to light one of the remaining eight candles until all are lit. Watch the video below to learn how to light the Menorah.

The Dreidel is a four sided spinning top and is a game played by children during Hanukkah. Each side of the Dreidel has a Hebrew letter that directs the game play. Children take turns spinning the top and the Hebrew letters direct them to either take or give gelt (gold coins or candy). Watch below to see how the Dreidel is played.

Here are some websites with Hanukkah crafts you can create at home:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/jewish/hanukah.htm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/chanukah/

Advertisement