Chanukah is not a big holiday in our family (or in the Jewish religion). However hubby and I try to make it special with a few family traditions. Chanukah is 8 nights so to celebrate we light the chanukiah and open a gift each night.
Night #1
We started Chanukah with a visit to a local play place for Chabad’s family fun night. 
We came home, lit the candles (everyone lights their own Chanukia) and sat down for dinner. 
I made soup and a latkes bar. 
Yum, our favorite way to eat latkes!
Dessert was a cookie platter and sufganiyot (basically a jelly doughnut).
After dinner we opened gifts. Needless to say the kids were super excited!
Night #2
We kept it low key and just hung out at home.
Sarah excited about her LOL dolls. 
After dinner I went to my neighbor’s holiday party.
Night #3
It’s hard finding ways to volunteer when your kiddos are young, but thanks to the Sunshine Club we were able to celebrate Chanukah with them. 
We had a great time! We danced, sang a few songs and hopefully brought some sunshine to the seniors. 
There was a juggler at the event and Miss Sarah got called to help. 
Night #4
This night fell on Shabbat. We lit our candles before heading out for dinner at a friend’s house, but did not take any pics.
Night #5
I was sure we would have a lot of ballet in our future after her recital (see it here), until she told me she wanted to take a break for a few months. Well a few months later and she’s still not interested :( So when she mentioned she wanted to see the nutcracker I was a bit surprised. I bought tickets and gifted them to her for Chanukah. We had the sweetest time!
Later that night we went on a family outing to see the Holiday Light Train.
Night #6
I got the kiddos matching Chanukah PJ’s.
During the day we met up with friends for Ice Skating on the lake.
At night we went to the plaza for Chabad’s community menorah lighting. We lit the menorah, checked out the arts and crafts table, and saw a juggler.
Night #7
Sarah had a few friends over for a cookie decorating play date.
We drank hot cocoa, lit the candles and played dreidel. 
Night #8
We had a little holiday cookie decorating at Jacob’s mommy and me class. 
At night we celebrated the last night at another community lighting. Sarah got her face painted, the kids got balloons and glow necklaces, Moshav performed and we watched the menorah lighting.
Happy holidays from my family to yours! Thank you for filling my home with all your smiling faces.
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