Traditions

We have a tradition on Chanukah to put menorahs in windows on all sides of the house, and then get out and walk around the house, singing and looking at the lights from outside. Since we started doing this, around eight years ago, we have gone out in all types of weather–knee-deep snow, sheets of ice (a bit of a challenge since there’s a hill involved), mud, rain, sleet, blizzards, and clear starry nights. But it is never disappointing, especially with my kids’ exuberant energy; their enthusiasm rears at the bit, even though they’ve reached the attitude-driven teen and post-teen years. And at least that means they’re old enough to make the latkes, and I don’t have to, any more.

It’s been fun having both kids home for the five nights of Chanukah so far, though today they took off for New York. So it will be just my husband me trouncing around the house in a little while. I wonder if it will feel silly, as I don’t think we’ve ever done it without at least our son being there. Our daughter has missed a bunch of Chanukahs, since the holiday’s been earlier the last two years and she was in college, though last year we Skyped her so she could participate virtually. Amazing–the power of technology.

A Chanukah tradition we started this year each night as we opened our presents, was Tzedakah, which means giving to charity. Each night we pick an organization to give money to, and we all contribute. So far, we’ve picked refugee relief in Darfur, Heifer International, a local shelter, an organization where Veterans go into schools to talk about the horrors of war, and Neve Shalom, an organization that brings Jewish and Arab kids and teenagers together for peace programs. We’ll pick the other three when the kids get back on Monday. It will be the end of Chanukah, but there will probably also be a stray present or two to open. I’m delighted with my lined mittens and silk underwear and warm socks–as well as opportunities to connect back with my own teenage years with a DVD of Get Smart and a CD of Cat Stevens–now Yusuf. I wonder if they’ll pack the same umph. I wonder what tradition-laden things my kids will want to remember when they’re my age. I’m hoping that at least one night per year, they’ll circle the house with us, so we can all look at the light.

Happy holidays, everyone!