Hanukkah (also Chanukah) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The word Hanukkah means rededication. Every year, the celebration honors the hard-fought victory of those trying to keep their faith despite a powerful enemy. It is an eight-day holiday that will be celebrated this year starting at sundown on December 2nd. The first night usually includes a big family dinner with foods such as potato latkes, beef brisket and jelly doughnuts. After dinner, the family gathers to light the menorah candles — a new one each night until all 8 are lit. Blessings and songs are part of the ceremony. Children then get to open gifts from family and friends. They play games with toys such as the traditional dreidel and chocolate coins, called gelt. (hanukat.com)
Here you can watch Elmo learn all about Hanukkah on Sesame Street with a really fun animation about the Maccabees:
And for older kids, another very quick explanation video from PBS learning: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/33662bec-c99a-47b3-88ec-78d6518e573c/hanukkah-all-about-the-holidays/#.X8ZSiS-z3aY
Creative Jewish Mom
Here is a beautiful tissue paper decor for your glasses: put a candle inside and watch the colors glow: https://www.creativejewishmom.com/2011/11/chanukah-craft-tissue-paper-cut-outs-.html
Meri Cherry has a simple tutorial for watercolored dreidel wall art: they look almost tie-dyed! http://mericherry.com/2013/11/24/hanukkah-dreidel-wall-art-from-your-childs-artwork/
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Finally a way to recycle old markers and plastic Kinder eggs-make a menorah! Follow this tutorial on Inna’s Creations…You will need lots of hot glue: https://increations.blogspot.com/2010/11/hanukkah-menorah-made-from-recycled.html
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If you’ve got some wood and hardware lying around or don’t mind a trip to the Baumarkt, this menorah from Sheri Silver looks great and sturdy and can be painted and decorated as you or your child please:
https://sherisilver.com/2012/11/27/dailybuzz-moms-9×9-kids-holiday-crafts/
(See Featured Image)
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These toilet paper candles from Joyful Jewish are super cute and festive:
https://joyfuljewish.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/cardboard-tube-chanukiah/
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Hanukat has some really nice crafts as downloadable PDFs for Hanukkah as well including a Diorama, Dreamcatcher and a Dreidel Spinner: http://www.hanukat.com/activities.html
