Hannukah 2009

We’re really having fun with Hannukah this year.  Something about this age just makes celebrations like this more fun. And I’m totally, shamelessly feeding into the over-blowing of a very minor holiday.  Because you know what? I grew up with Christmas. And when December hits, I feel an overwhelming need to be festive.  Except that we want to raise Jewish kids. And while we’ll continue to participate in Christmas with my family (for whom it was never a super religious day, anyways), I don’t want to overdo it and then get all confused as they get older.  Well, best defense is a good offense, so I’m trying to make Hannukah really fun.

Step 1: Candles.  Huge hit, especially since I let them pull up chairs to the sideboard where we keep the menorah so they can see them up close when we light them.

Step 2: Presents. Trying not to go too nuts, but it’s really fun now that they sort of “get” the idea of presents.  Just one thing each night.  They were skeptical of my initial offering of bean bag chairs, until I showed them how to flop into them.

Step 3: Party! We had some friends over for a little Hannukah party last night.  My three favorite Jewish comfort foods (brisket, noodle kugel, and latkes) all turned out quite well.  The nice part about having friends who all have similar-aged kids is that we’re all on the same wavelength and schedule.  Party starts at 4, we ate dinner at 5:15, and everyone was out the door at 6:30.  Even if it ended in a poop explosion and the place was trashed like a frat party, it was still good fun.