Here are a few things we do as a family on Chanukah, in case you want to incorporate some new ideas into your Chanukah family fun!
One of the nice things about Chanukah is that it’s a lighter kind of holiday, no pun intended. There’s not that much work or pressure involved, and family time is more relaxed and fun. Which makes for a great opportunity to create some family memories, woohoo! I have some very nice Chanukah memories from my time growing up and I hope our kids will too.
Here are a few things we do as a family on Chanukah, in case you want to incorporate some new ideas into your Chanukah family fun:
Chanukah concert: we drive into Jerusalem to attend a concert. This year we are going to the Akiva with special guest Raviv Kaner concert. All of our children really love music and singing, so this is probably their favorite activity.
Going out for Chanukah doughnuts: one evening, after lighting and praying by the candles, we go out for extra fancy Chanukah sufganiot. In our family we don’t have any donuts prior to the holiday, and we limit them during, so this is extra special. We eat them at the bakery with hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Yum!
Chanukah songs playlist: every year we go through our Chanukah songs playlist and update it together. Then, after lighting and praying by the menorahs, we put it on and dance.
All of our children really love music and singing, so this is probably their favorite activity!
Menorah sightseeing: we get in the car and drive to nearby areas to look at the menorah lights in the windows and on the street. Of course, we have our Chanukah playlist going as we’re doing this.
After lighting and praying by the candles, we go out for extra fancy Chanukah sufganiot!
Family party: we host a family Chanukah party for about 20 people. We love to make fun food for it like bean dip, spinach dip, guacamole, nachos with all the fixings and of course latkes. For dessert I serve my super-amazing, secret recipe cheesecake 😊
Showing gratitude: I make 2 or 3 of my super-amazing cheesecakes and we give them to people that we feel extra thankful to. This year’s lucky recipients are the staff at my 14-year old’s Talmud Torah, who went out of their way to help us when his original choice for yeshiva high school did not work out; and our mailman who does such a great job and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t get much appreciation for it.
So, there you have it ladies. I hope these eight days are filled with blessings and fun family memories for you and your family! Happy Chanukah!
