The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah is an enjoyable time for Jews all over the world. Many families mark the tradition with gifts, ritual and food. Giving a Hanukkah present is a subject of debate however and some rabbis believe that gift exchanges should not take place at all. Just as the rise of consumerism is a cause for concern for Christians during the Christmas holiday, some Jewish families concentrate on the spiritual meaning of Hanukkah. In fact, few people give gifts in Israel at this time.
Many families combine the traditional beliefs with buying a Hanukkah present, especially for the children. The way this is done varies with different families, some give a large gift at the beginning or end of the celebration and others give a small gift on each of the eight days. Hanukkah, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, traditionally celebrates Judaism as a unique culture and religion. Jewish symbols are therefore, very important and some people give a menorah as a gift. Some children like to make homemade menorahs with fruit scented candles. The Star of David is another important symbol and children can make one from popsicle sticks.
Children love to be involved in the celebrations and they like to play the old game of Dreidel, which is a four sided top with Hebrew lettering. Driedel fridge magnets are also for sale. A favorite Hanukkah present for children is Gelt; these are milk chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. They also sometimes receive candy such as toffee, fudge or pralines. Adults enjoy Hanukkah too and exchange gifts of Jewish art, jewelry, candles or candleholders. There are decorative plates that are customized for parents with a picture of a menorah and each child's name is inscribed in the candles.
Food is a very important part of the season and there are gift baskets of kosher food that are ideal as a Hanukkah present. Chocolate is a constant theme and there are the gelt coins, chocolate covered mints and cranberries and dark chocolate covered fruit and nuts. Nuts are most often, pecan, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and almonds. Some baskets come with pastries filled with rum and raisin, biscuits, candied citrus peel, honey with walnuts, ginger or ginger aperitif. Some contain a bottle of kiddish wine and hand dipped Hanukkah candles. There are also vegetarian versions of food baskets. Good food, tradition and the company of family and friends make Hanukkah an enjoyable time on the calendar.
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