This is a wonderful piece on Chanukah from a secular perspective, particularly the 8 Reasons. But I must say that I have never liked the 8 days of gifts for Chanukah. It is Christmas-like rather than focusing on the history of the holiday which might better include 8 days of storytelling about the history and myths of the holiday.
I was raised by Orthodox parents and extended family who escaped from Germany in the late 30s. We celebrated Chanukah with 1 non-cultural gift and the rest of the days with great food, singing, and winning/losing lots of chocolate coins [Kosher, of course ;)]. That was the way our tradition even as I became secular for my children.
The new tradition for my wife (who was raised as Catholic) and I now that we live in New Mexico is to make Chanukah Menorah outdoors using farolitas (aka luminarias) which is a Mexican tradition of lining a path with candles put inside a small paper bag weighted by sand. I really my Chanukah public so even more important to me these days.
This is a wonderful piece on Chanukah from a secular perspective, particularly the 8 Reasons. But I must say that I have never liked the 8 days of gifts for Chanukah. It is Christmas-like rather than focusing on the history of the holiday which might better include 8 days of storytelling about the history and myths of the holiday.
I was raised by Orthodox parents and extended family who escaped from Germany in the late 30s. We celebrated Chanukah with 1 non-cultural gift and the rest of the days with great food, singing, and winning/losing lots of chocolate coins [Kosher, of course ;)]. That was the way our tradition even as I became secular for my children.
The new tradition for my wife (who was raised as Catholic) and I now that we live in New Mexico is to make Chanukah Menorah outdoors using farolitas (aka luminarias) which is a Mexican tradition of lining a path with candles put inside a small paper bag weighted by sand. I really my Chanukah public so even more important to me these days.