Dec. 14, 2006 - What are you doing for Chanukah or Christmas this year?

We are lighting three Chanukiahs (Chanukah menorahs) this year.  I have a small, very Israeli looking menorah that is brass, small, with two lions holding a crown and the ten commandments.  I have a silver-colored, rather modern, large menorah that I bought on a trip to Newport this year, with money my mom gave to me to spend.  And finally I have a blue with gold accents, large china menorah.  There is one for each of the kids still at home to light.

I have an electric, very pretty menorah for the window that a friend bought for me about three years ago (it is my user image--beautiful!); and a cutout menorah for the window also.  The window in the living room has the cutout menorah, a Happy Chanukah banner, and we have lights surrounding the window that the cat keeps trying to pull down!  

We will be opening our celebration Friday night at service.  Many families bring menorahs, and we light them together.  I will get some pictures to post!  The Chanukah service is always wonderful.  

Beginning Saturday night, we will be saying the blessings and reading some history of Chanukah that I got from Hebrew4 Christians (http://hebrew4christians.com) and from Tirzah's homeschooling site (www.messianichomeschool.net).  Then the kids will light the appropriate candles.  We don't exchange gifts because we cannot afford them, but I did splurge and buy one daughter, Dusty, a blue and white small serving plate with Stars of David and it says Shalom.  It is her first Judaica for her home.

 

I bought my grandson, Hunter, a book on Chanukah because he loves to read,



and I bought my little granddaughter a $2 bracelet with beads and little Jewish symbol charms on it, because even at a year old, she likes to dress up.
 

I will make some special foods.  We are trying new latkes recipes this year.
 

What are you doing?  I would love to hear how you celebrate, and what your family traditions are!

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas!

love,
laurie