8 Ways to Make Hanukkah More Meaningful for Your Kids

Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays. Some parents complain how the holiday has become less meaningful and more materialistic. It doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are 8 ways to inject more meaning, giving and light into your Hanukkah holiday.

1. Gift giving:

In the US, children on average have over 200 toys, but only play with 12 of them. That is a lot of stuff.

Think about donating some of your old toys.

Before the holiday, I ask my kids to go through their toys and see if there was anything that they would donate to the school or our shul.

2. Give an experience:

Give experiences instead of gifts. Research has also shown that this is more rewarding for the one giving the gift and the one receiving.

Some ideas are:

• Museum memberships
• Music Event
• Sports events
• Large puzzles
• Escape room
• Treasure hunt
• Craft kits

Research has shown that family time and experiences are linked to fewer behavioral problems in children, a stronger sense of identity and a sense of security for children

3. Be A Giver:

To further temper the materialism, empower your children to be givers. You can help your children buy or make gifts for their siblings, grandparents, cousins etc.

And to remember those who are alone. You can deliver a simple gift or latkes and donuts to your elderly neighbor or invite them for candle lighting.

4. Give gelt and then give Tzedakah:

Many families forgo the gifts and just give Hanukkah gelt. This is the perfect opportunity to teach about tithing, giving 10% of our earning/gifts to the poor. Let your child decide which organization to donate to. This can be a cause that is near and dear to their heart.

5. Volunteer:

This is the perfect time of year to volunteer. Perhaps your synagogue is having a Hanukkah party and they need someone to set up or man the buffet. Children generally love to help out at these events.

Think about what your kids naturally love to do and how they can channel that drive through volunteering.

6. Be Grateful:

Teach your children the rules of gift-giving, saying please and thank you- even if they don’t like the gift.

Make sure your children write thank you notes for their gifts or call to say thank you. Younger children can make pictures and dictate their messages to the gift giver. Phone calls/Facetime calls would also be appreciated by the older generation.

7. Lighting the Menorah:

Make the lighting of the menorah a special time. Everyone can have their own menorah and special candles.

8. Tell Stories:

Telling the story of Hanukkah is the best way to make sure that children understand the real significance of the holiday.

Focus on the commitment of the Maccabees to their faith and their refusal to assimilate into the surrounding Greek culture.

Talk about the children who refused to stop learning Torah and how they played dreidel to keep the Greeks at bay.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Hanukkah!

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