Celebrating Hanukkah

Because my parents are from different religious backgrounds, I grew up celebrating both Christian and Jewish holidays.

I remember celebrating Hanukkah each year at my grandparents' home. I looked forward to the wonderful food, gathering with my family and the opportunity to learn more about my Jewish heritage.

Of course, playing Dreidel Games and receiving a Gelt Bag full of chocolate coins wrapped in shiny gold foil were also fun.

Get Organized For Celebrating Hanukkah

Prepare Your Gift List

At least one month prior to the first day of Hanukkah, start preparing for the holiday by creating a gift list.

• Write down the names of each person you will purchase gifts for.

• Underneath each person's name, make a numbered list for how many gifts you will purchase for each person on your list. If you will give that person a gift for each day of the holiday, there should be eight numbered lines under their name.

• As you think of gift ideas for each person on your list, write them down. Continue doing this until your list is complete.

• As soon as you start your list, even if it is not finished yet, be sure to carry it with you. Whenever you are in a store, check your list to see if there is anything you can purchase and check off.

Planning ahead and starting early will allow you to avoid the crowds closer to the holiday and ensure that you have plenty of time to get everything on your list.

Plan Your Menu

At least two weeks before the first day of Hanukkah, start planning your menu. It's always a good idea to plan dishes that can be prepared ahead of time so that you can enjoy the day with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

• Make a list of each dish you will serve on each night that you will be celebrating Hanukkah. If a guest will be bringing a dish, include it on your menu with a notation of who is bringing it.

• Pull together all of the recipes you will need to prepare the dishes on your menu. If you have recipe cards, pull them out and set them aside. If your recipe is in a cookbook, write the name of the book and the page number on your menu.

• Next, use your menu to create a shopping list by checking each recipe and making a list of the ingredients you will need. Start purchasing non-perishable items during your weekly grocery shopping trips. Leave the perishable items until just before the holiday.

Of all the Hanukkah food I remember eating, a couple of dishes stand out in my memory.

My Grandfather's potato pancakes, also known as potato latkes, were so delicious he couldn't make them fast enough to fee the hungry crowd.

My Great-Aunt's kugel, also known as noodle pudding was sweet, creamy and delicious. I would like to share both of these Hanukkah recipes with you as you plan your Hanukkah menu.

Final Preparations

Three days before the first night of your Hanukkah celebration is when you should be thinking about the final touches.

• Get our your menorah and be sure it is shined and beautiful. Check that you have plenty of candles for it.

• Decide which tablecloth you will use for your Hanukkah table. Iron it, fold it neatly and hang it on a coat hanger until you are ready to place it on your table.

• Decide which serving pieces you will use for each dish on your menu. Be sure they are all cleaned and ready to go. Make a list of which serving dish and utensil you have chosen for each menu item so there is no guesswork on the day of your celebration.

• Create a schedule of chores such as when you will set the table, wrap the gifts and prepare your menu.

Hanukkah Traditions

There are many Hanukkah traditions that I remember from my childhood. One of my favorites was lighting the menorah and reciting the Hanukkah blessings. I loved hearing my Grandfather recite the blessings in Hebrew and then the rest of the family repeated them in English.

Whatever your family's Hanukkah traditions are, I hope you enjoy celebrating Hanukkah as much as I did as a child.