Celebrate the Festival of Lights! It’s the season to observe the Jewish holiday – Hanukkah. The eight crazy nights begin at sundown on December 18. Get in the holiday spirit with decorations and traditional foods – here are some fun and festive ideas to try. by Tali Benjamin
DIY Decorations
Latke Love
Hanukkah decorations can be hard to find and may not have the look you are going for. Instead of stressing, make it a fun family activity and create some of your own. Plus, you can date them and then look back on the memories you made as you celebrate Hanukkah each year.
Latkes – traditionally potato pancakes – are the quintessential Hanukkah food. If you’re looking for some new ways to jazz them up, try one of these.
n Dreidel Garland – You can make strands of garland in dreidel shapes to match the colors in your home. Then adorn the mantle or staircases with your artful creations. Cut dreidels out of cardboard and then cover them in foil paper or wrapping paper to give the colors and patterns you want. Attach the dreidels to string or yarn with hot glue to create the garland.
n Giant Latkes: If you still want the fried effect, but don’t want to make as many latkes, make one the size of your frying pan and then just slice it and serve. It might look like pizza, but it’s still a latke!
n Paper Napkin Rings – When you invite family and friends over for latkes, create cute paper napkin rings with Stars of David cutouts or drawings of menorahs. You can use a variety of shades of blue and white to make them pop. Also, they can double as place cards by simply adding each guest’s name to their napkin ring.
n Sweet Potato Latkes: Instead of white potatoes, use sweet potatoes and a touch of cinnamon. It’s a fun flavor profile and a good way to get your kids to try a different type of potato.
n Muffin Tin Latkes: If you hate the way your house smells after frying latkes for an hour or two, try this hack! Place dollops of latke mixture in greased muffin tins and then flatten with a spoon. Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes, then flip and bake for about 5 more minutes.
n Sauce Substitutes: Swap the classic sour cream for tzatziki or ranch dip. Instead of applesauce, try peach or tomato chutney.
Spread your light! Make one night “give back night.” Have your kids choose a present for a child in need and donate it. Or, choose a local non-profit to make a family donation or volunteer with.
n Door Banner – Create an outdoor decoration with some felt. You’ll need a sturdy ribbon for the top so it hangs nicely on the front door. Cut letters out of felt (or get some help from store bought ones), add glitter and shiny stars to highlight the theme of the holiday. n Wrapping Paper – Get white and brown craft paper, some Hanukkah-shaped stamps and paint. Then, let the kids go wild making their own unique designs. It will make opening gifts even more fun since they will have helped with the gift wrapping.
14 Atlanta Parent
December 2022
atlantaparent.com