Happy Hanukkah Holiday Ideas

(FeatureSource) – The celebration of Hanukkah is a time that Jewish families look forward to all year. Penny Warner, author of “The Best Party Book: 1001 Creative Ideas for Fun Parties” (Meadowbrook Press), 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.”

– When the guests arrive, keep them busy with popular Hanukkah activities, such as spinning the dreidel. This game of chance can be played with the whole family, but children especially enjoy it. It’s easy to make a four-sided dreidel with clay, or you can purchase one at a toy store. Each side of the dreidel has a letter on it that tells you what to do. If you spin the dreidel and land on “N” you get nothing from the kitty, “G” you get everything, “H” you get half, “S” you put half of your money in the kitty. The kitty is the pot or center, which is filled with pennies or candies.

– During all the fun, serve traditional foods, such as potato latkes or blintzes. Have guests bring a favorite recipe from a Jewish cookbook and do a recipe exchange.

-Easy party favors include dreidels, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, candles or menorahs, blue and white items such as stationery or dishware.

Author: FeatureSource Staff