Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday that begins this year at sundown on Sunday, December 18, is a pretty minor holiday, religiously speaking. The festival commemorates the military victory won by a group of Jews in the 2nd century BCE. The highlight of the story is that the Jews were able to rededicate the holy Temple in Jerusalem when a scant amount of oil that kindled the ner tamid or eternal light miraculously lasted for eight nights. The word Hanukkah translates from Hebrew as “rededication.”
A Range of Gifts
For hundreds of years, there was no tradition of gift-giving during Hanukkah. Today, though, gifts are typical and enjoyed in many Jewish communities. Different families do things differently—from chocolate coins called gelt to elaborate gift exchanges for kids and adults alike.
One model has always struck me as particularly meaningful—this is to choose a theme for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. For families with kids to older friend groups or families, this is a beautiful way to touch on the many positive aspects of gift-giving.
Some Examples
These include:
- Cozy warm clothing like gloves, hats, socks, and scarves
- Games to for fun group gatherings
- Pajamas for gentle rest
- Books to enrich our minds
- Charitable donations or volunteer hours to give of ourselves to those who need support
- A special meal prepared and shared together
- A visit to a museum, concert, or park to spend quality time together
Even if I didn’t celebrate Hanukkah, I’d be drawn to the variety of themes as a way to give and receive gifts that matter, mean something, and last longer than the few minutes surrounding that first satisfying rip of wrapping paper.
This holiday season, what are you giving? What kind of gift means the most to you?
