14 New Hanukkah Traditions For Kids Inspired by Christmas
With dreidels, candles, and gelt, what's not to love about Hanukkah?
While kids look forward to these festive eight days every year, some are known to experience a tad of envy toward that other December holiday. With its magical tree and glowing lights (let's not even talk about the VERY generous, jolly old man), it's not surprising that some Jewish children feel a tad of Christmas angst every now and again. But with new, modern traditions, many families are reclaiming their menorah pride and infusing a festive feel into their Hanukkah celebrations.
With Mensch on the Bench as an answer to Elf on the Shelf, ugly Hanukkah sweaters, holiday cards, and even Hanukkah bushes instead of Christmas trees, it might feel like Hanukkah and Christmas are constantly competing. Instead, these crossover traditions are developing with today's culture and are a source of more inclusive fun for all involved. While some are hesitant to partake in Christmas products remade for Hanukkah, many Jewish families are embracing them as festive ways to get kids excited about the holidays.
When it comes to exploring all of these fun, new Hanukkah products and traditions, Rabbi Evan Moffic of Congregation Solel in Chicago asks, "Why not? Embrace the larger culture." So feel free to spin your dreidel, stuff your stockings, and celebrate the holidays however you please!
Wearing Matching Hanukkah Pajamas
Whether your kiddos have made it a tradition to match Hanukkah pajamas ($36) before the first or last night of Hanukkah or picked a holiday robe ($11, originally $19) for your family holiday card photos, the Christmas-jammies phenomenon has made its way to the Jewish kids of the world!
Making Hanukkah Gingerbread Houses
Thanks to a Hanukkah gingerbread house decorating kit ($13), little ones can enjoy the fun of decorating gingerbread houses with icing and gelt whether they believe in Santa or not.
Wearing Ugly Hanukkah Sweaters
Gone are the days of Jewish kids fretting about what to wear to an ugly sweater party. With the Keep Calm and Spin On sweater ($16, originally $32) and the comical 8 Nights of Presents Are Better Than 1 ($62) option, your kids are going to want a new holiday sweater every year.
Having a Mensch on a Bench
While Elf on the Shelf is quite adorable, he's got nothing on our friends Mensch on a Bench ($30), Kippah Kantor Doll ($13), and Maccabee on the Mantel ($30).
Decorating Hanukkah Cookies
Just because you're not baking for Santa and his reindeer doesn't mean that your kids don't thoroughly enjoy making holiday cookies. With options like a Hanukkah sugar cookie decorating set ($16) and Hanukkah cookie cutters ($11), you can enjoy sweet dreidels and menorahs all month!
Reading How Murray Saved Christmas
How Murray Saved Christmas ($6, originally $7) is an adorable play on "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Kids beg to hear how deli owner Murray Kleiner saved the day for everyone by replacing Santa after a jack-in-the-boxer injury. Don't be surprised if this becomes a favorite bedtime story long past the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Setting Up a Menorah Tree
Whether you opt for a six-foot menorah tree ($195) or make family memories by decorating a Hanukkah bush, having a designated (and festive!) spot for wrapped Hanukkah presents is becoming commonplace for many families.
Displaying Peace and Joy Home Decor
It's out with the joy and in with the oy! With options like the Oy to the World sign ($18, originally $22) and peace, love, and latkes wood blocks ($15), it's no wonder that Jewish households are getting into the holiday spirit with puns on the traditional "joy to the world" and "peace, love, and joy" holiday accents.
Putting up Hanukkah Lights
There's no reason homes that celebrate Hanukkah can't shine just as bright as their Christmas-celebrating neighbors, especially when Hanukkah lights ($25) make outdoor decorating so easy.
Collecting Christmas Tree Decor
Kids are collecting Hanukkah ornaments like this dreidel ornament ($10, originally $20) and even a Hanukkah tree topper ($40) for their very own Hanukkah trees.
Setting Up a Gelt Countdown Calendar
The Jewish take on an Advent calendar, these Hanukkah countdown pouches ($16) are a sweet way to treat little ones to gelt each night.
Putting up Hanukkah Home Accents
From an embroidered Hanukkah stocking ($10) to a Hanukkah ball wreath ($34, originally $45), accents that are traditionally associated with Christmas are showing up in blue and white versions to add a seasonal feel to Jewish households throughout December.
Popping Hanukkah Celebration Crackers
While holiday crackers are traditionally known as a British Christmas treat, kids absolutely love the opportunity to pop Hanukkah celebration crackers ($10, originally $20) filled with sweet treats.
Sending Out Family Hanukkah Holiday Cards
With adorable Hanukkah card options from Paper Culture ($2), why wouldn't your family want to get in on the holiday card fun every year?