Happy Hanukkah

The Festival of Lights Holiday Ideas

By Donna Smith

The celebration of Hanukkah is a time Jewish families look forward to all year. Penny Warner, author of The Best Party Book: 1001 Creative Ideas for Fun Parties (Meadowbrook Press, 1992), has some great suggestions for celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights.

• Your invitations should bring out the holiday spirit. Cut out a menorah from yellow paper and write party details on the back of it. You can also make Star of David invitations with blue and white construction paper. Simply cut out one white triangle and one blue triangle, weave the triangles into an authentic star shape, glue them together and write your party details on the edges.
• Party decorations can be a lot of work, but Warner recommends keeping them simple and traditional. Decorate your home or party room with blue and white, the traditional Jewish colors. You can find blue and white crepe paper, cups, plates and other decorations at a party supply store or a store that sells Jewish merchandise. Write Hebrew phrases, such as "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham," which means "A great miracle happened there," or "Shalom," which means "peace," on streamers and hang them from the ceiling and walls. Light a menorah and place it in a front window to greet your guests. Play traditional Hebrew music, like "Ma'oz Tzur."


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Want to see more?

• Celebrate Hanukkah: Activities to Make, Play and Eat With Your Child
• Presents vs. Mitzvot (Good Deeds): Bringing Meaning to Your Hanukkah Celebration
• From Christmas to Kwanzaa: Learning the Different Holidays Through Crafts
• Talk about it!