Hanukkah is a holiday of miracles. It was a miracle that the Maccabees found oil in the Temple after its destruction. It was a miracle that a very small amount of oil lasted for eight nights until new oil could be procured. And if there is anything we need in 2020, it is a miracle (and also consistent mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing).
This makes the celebration of Hanukkah a perfect match for 2020. Holidays are certainly not the same this year, but Hanukkah can still be filled with meaning, celebration, and fun.
Live Events
While it is not encouraged to gather in large groups, if you are careful and take the necessary COVID precautions, there are some in-person Hanukkah events. As of when this post was written, the National Menorah Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 10 at 4 pm in President’s Park at The National Ellipse.
There is also The Lighting of the Menorah at The Wharf in Southwest, DC. The menorah in District Square will be lit every night of Hanukkah, starting on December 10, from 5 pm-6 pm.
Both events are free, but you do need to order tickets in advance for the National Menorah Lighting. With local restrictions changing frequently, please confirm that these are events are still happening before heading out.
Storytimes
Curling up by the fire with a Hanukkah story is a great way to teach kids more about the holiday (even if it is not a holiday your family celebrates) and to enjoy some quality family time. PJ Library put together the ultimate list of children’s books about Hanukkah. This list includes books for kids of all ages—starting with baby books and ending with chapter books. There are also books that highlight diverse celebrations including interfaith books and Sephardic stories.
Interested in someone else reading to your children? Join a Zoom with Hurray for Books on December 6 at 1 pm. Author of HAPPY LLAMAKKAH!, Laura Gehl, will host an interactive storytime for kids ages 0-8. The event is free, but you do need to pre-register.
Easy Treats
Part One – Latkes
My Mom stood over a pan of bubbling oil for hours making latkes when she hosted our annual family Hanukkah party. Let’s be honest, I am probably not going to do that in a good year, let alone this year. My favorite latke cheat is the Trader Joe’s potato pancakes. They are delicious, easy and with a little apple sauce (or for the people on the other side of the debate, sour cream) they put me right in the holiday spirit.
Maybe being stuck at home inspires you to stand in front of that pan. Well, if you are interested in making your latkes more authentic, but you still don’t want all of the work, a great trick is buying frozen shredded potatoes. You can still accomplish that true crispy latke without all of that shredding.
Part Two – Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)
Once you have finished your latkes, you are ready for your sufganiyot (jelly donuts). If you are anything like me in the year 2020, you are looking for a great place to buy them. My first instinct was to share a good recipe for homemade sufganiyot. However, by December of 2020, I no longer have the energy for that kind of culinary effort.
With eight nights of Hanukkah, you can take this opportunity to do your own little donut tour of the DMV looking for some of the best sufganiyot. If jelly donuts are not your thing (they are definitely not mine), places like Krispy Kreme often have glazed donuts decorated in the Hanukkah spirit.
Part 3 – Gelt (Chocolate Coins)
While we are discussing treats, nothing says Hanukkah like chocolate gelt (coins) and a good game of dreidel. Many of us are used to the plastic-tasting chocolate we got as kids. But now you can have your gelt and eat it too! There are many options for high-end gelt that will feel like a true Hanukkah delight. However, if you are looking for something a little more reasonable that does not require shipping but is still delicious, head back to Trader Joe’s. Their Coins of the World will inspire you to play dreidel, but make sure to keep a bag to yourself for snacking.
Lighting the Candles
Hanukkah is still Hanukkah without the parties and events. Lighting the holiday candles with your family will fill your house with the spirit of the holiday. For some people, Hanukkah has always been a group activity and you have never done it yourself. Here is a step by step guide to lighting the menorah and saying the blessings. No menorah? No problem! There are so many options to make your own. You can buy candles in most grocery and drug stores, but if you need something to occupy time on those cold days, making candles is an easy and fun craft idea.
Hanukkah is a time for celebration, which is something that we need in our lives right now. So whether you just read a story with your kids to learn more about the holiday, or go all-in with a full-blown home Hanukkah extravaganza, take this opportunity to find joy. If nothing else, we can find joy that 2020 is coming to an end.
Happy Hanukkah!!
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