Hanukkah is a very important holiday to our family.

It holds a special place in our hearts.

There are many ways to celebrate the holiday.

Here is how we celebrate!

Hanukkah: How We Celebrate

When the kids were preschoolers, we introduced them to holidays around the world. 

We created beautiful materials that were culturally sensitive to ensure that our children would learn to love and respect those of the Jewish faith.

Montessori-inspired Hanukkah Printable Pack I

Little did we know that a few years later, our oldest adopted daughter would learn she's part Jewish after taking a an Ancestry DNA test. 

Since that time we have continued to learn about and celebrate Hanukkah out of respect for our daughter. 

We created another fabulous resource for all to enjoy.

Montessori-inspired Hanukkah Printable Pack II

Once our children understood Hanukkah and the significance of the holiday to those in the Jewish faith, we began to celebrate as a family.

This was incredibly important to us, as it was a way to support our adopted daughter and her heritage.

8 Nights of Hanukkah

During the eight nights of Hanukkah we take time to celebrate in a variety of ways.

We light our Hanukkah Menorah while listening to Ma'oz Tzur sung by Leslie Odom Jr. and Nicolette Robinson.

When we're on the go, we bring our Electric Silver Hanukkah Menorah to ensure we can still light candles each night.

Games of Dreidel occur at least one night during our celebration.

Madelaine Solid Premium Chocolate Traditional Hanukkah Gold Coins are a favorite treat enjoyed by all.

Children's Books About Hanukkah

When the kids were young, we enjoyed reading books about Hanukkah each night. 

Below is a list of some of our favorites.

The Story of Hanukkah Book

Hanukkah Bear

Celebrate Hanukkah

Elmo's Little Dreidel

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Happy Hanukkah, Curious George

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf

Latke, the Lucky Dog

Even now, years later, my kids still remember these books!

Hanukkah Dinner

One of my kids' favorite aspects of celebrating Hanukkah is our delicious Hanukkah feast.

The kids enjoy:

• Brisket
• Latkes
• Homemade Applesauce
• Challah Bread with Homemade Jam
• Sufganiyots

As the kids get older we add more and more delicious foods to our Hanukkah celebration, spacing things out over the eight days.

Hanukkah Gift Ideas

When celebrating Hanukkah, we try to stick to gifts that embrace and celebrate Jewish culture, to honor our daughter.

Here are some gifts we've given in the past that have been loved and used.

Hanukkah Foam Toy Menorah

This is a perfect gift for a little one who isn't quite ready for a real menorah. 

We gave this to our youngest daughter. She did not want to put it away after the holiday season.

I loved how she was able to participate in festivities safely in a way that was appropriate for her development.

Hanukkah Dreidel Pop It

Who knew there was a dreidel pop it?! 

This was a great sensory gift to help our youngest keep her fingers busy during Hanukkah festivities and traditions.

It's well made and has lasted for years.

Love, Lights, Hanukkah! Movie

This is one of our favorite Hanukkah themed Hallmark movies. We watch it every year.

I love how it compares Hanukkah and Christmas with a respect for both!

Double Holiday Movie

This movie shares so many fabulous ideas on how to celebrate Hanukkah! 

I love that there is an idea presented for each day of the holiday.

Modern Jewish Baker Cookbook

Jewish baked goods are so yummy! If you know someone loves baking and they love celebrating Hanukkah (and other Jewish 

Sababa Cookbook

In my opinion, Jewish cuisine is absolutely delicious. This cookbook has so many wonderful recipes to try. It's one of my favorites!

Smithsonian History Visual Dictionary

This is the perfect Hanukkah gift for the history lover in your life. Not only does it cover the history of the Jewish people, but the history of the world.

Gourmet Olive Oil Sampler

Oil is a very important part of the celebration of Hanukkah. This gift of oils is so enjoyable. I have enjoyed all the flavor they add to mealtime.

World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained

This book is a great way to introduce the Jewish faith in comparison to other religions around the world. 

I am so thankful for all of the memories our family has made celebrating Hanukkah. 

These memories have been so special to our daughter, as they are yet another way that we show we accept her.

Happy Hanukkah to all of those celebrating!

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