There might be different ways to spell the word, but there is only one way to celebrate it. With your family and friends over eight days.
Each day represents a unit of these eight days. Games are being played, candles are being lid and prayers are being chanted.
It is a wonderful tradition and in a way, for me, more a family matter, something that brings the family together. At least here. Where people rush around to find the most expensive Christmas gift, it is nice to see some relaxing. I won’t say there aren’t presents during Hanukkah, because there are, but getting gifts is being balanced by chanting, family dinner and talking about why we celebrate Hanukkah.
So for the first day, we lid the first candle; and chanted. To be honest, I didn’t, because I didn’t know what to chant. But it was really nice. The kids only wanted the presents, of course. :D
I got two presents too. Usually the Aupair gets the presents on Christmas, but since I was going to be in DC, I got mine already.
I am now the proud owner of a porcelain owl and twelve different lip-glosses. Every shade is a different kind of red and some of them I will definitely use.
I’m so glad I got to experience this. It is completely different from Christmas, but the soul is the same. Family and friends come together to spend a wonderful time.
How was your Christmas?
Xoxo Ani