Most of my friends wrap my holiday gifts in red and green paper, send me Christmas cards and rarely think about whether I am Christian or not. There was a time when I was young and someone would wish me a Merry Christmas. Somewhat offended, I would retort: “I’m Jewish. I don’t celebrate Christmas.”

Nowadays I could care less about correcting the well-meaning holiday cheers. In fact, I am often the first one to say Merry Christmas because I appreciate the holiday for the feeling of home it evokes--just like Hanukkah.

Recently, my roommate asked: "What is Hanukkah and how is it celebrated?"

At first, I was astounded that she didn't know already; Hanukkah has always been as big as Christmas in my eyes. As I began explaining it to her however, I realized that I needed to brush up on my own holiday facts.

A sculpture of Judah Maccabee holding the menorah

How-to Throw a Hanukkah party for the non-religious: 

Should I decorate?  

Yes, although Hanukkah is actually not the most holy of holidays for Jews but because it falls around the same time as Christmas, it has been blown up and offers a sort of alternative to all that Christmas cheer.

Take this opportunity to adorn your home with Hanukkah decorations. In my family we decorated a wooden blue and white Jewish star with matching lights and put presents underneath it. We substituted the green and red lights that many wrap around their homes for blue and white ones. We even had blue and white stockings that we pulled something out of every night along with opening presents. 

What kind of food should I serve?  

Technically, different Jewish families have different traditions depending on their backround (for example, ashkenazi or sephardic). The most frequently cooked dish is potato latkes and other foods fried in oil. 

Take this opportunity to fry those Twinkies  and Ho-Hos. Also, anything that can be colored in blue and white is acceptable. For example, why not put out glasses of champagne for guests to enjoy and put a few drops of blue food coloring in alternating glasses so that guests can toast in spirit. 

What kind of gifts?  

We all know the cliche that Jews love money and that’s always what I ask for. But many Jews open one present each night and they are the same as Christmas presents. Anything thoughtful is appreciated. 

As party favors, look for plastic dreidels that open and can be stuffed with anything from Jewish chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil called gelt or even little mini bottles of alcohol for adults.  

Should we light the menorah?

Absolutely. Although it makes a fabulous looking centerpiece for a dining room or hall table, the menorah candles are lit to remember the miracle of oil. A menorah has nine candles, one for each night and an extra one called the shamash which is used to light the other candles. A prayer is said each night and candles are left to burn until they go out themselves.  

What activities will keep guests entertained?  

A dreidel, which is a four sided top with Hebrew letters on each side. Many Jews play the game to celebrate the holiday. Each player begins with an equal amount of pennies, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil called gelt, candies or whatever else you want to use. It’s almost like gambling so go ahead and raise the stakes. You can even play with poker chips. 

To start, each player puts one coin in the center pot. Players take turns spinning the dreidel. Depending on what letter is facing up determines the next step the player takes. 

A Nun means the player does nothing. Gimel: player takes all the gelt from the pot, Hay: player takes half of what’s in the pot; Shin, player puts one token in the pot. 

Okay, so this may not be as interesting as a game of strip poker but be creative and decide on a different set of rules using the top. For example, a Nun could mean the player chooses Truth or Dare. A Gimel could mean you have to give half of what you have to the player on your right.

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