Even if we were swimming in cash, I'm not sure I want the kids opening presents all 8 nights... by night #3 it becomes an expectation and each night after is a little less special when presents are just expected.
This is what we try to do each year-- ALTHOUGH-- they have ended up with gifts every night so far --between cousins, and sales-- and each of them buying for their sibs, etc.
Let me share how we try to make each night different and I'll elaborate below.
You can get a PDF here of the below to store with your Hanukkah stuff so you don't forget each year.
How to make each night different!
1. Make latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts)-- this can be really fun, plus you jump right into the oil of it all. You might not want to do this by night #3!
Gift suggestion: Fun but useful (clothes, bag, purse, art supplies)
2. Dreidel! We love collecting dreidels. For some reason, it's more fun when you have, like, 75 different types of dreidels! Temple gift shops usually have them the cheapest-- 25-75 cents.
Gift suggestion: Something unnecessary but they want it badly
3. The kids use their own money and go in pairs to buy something for their other siblings.
Gift suggestion: Sibling exchange (they use their own money)
4. Hanukkah movie! Usually it's a combo movie-- we love "Arthur's Perfect Christmas"-- it's a PBS special and has a Francine who is Jewish storyline in it-- a good one! Eloise: Little Miss Christmas has a similar idea.
Gift suggestion: DVDs
5. We love our cousins-- so make the trip and spend the whole day and Hanukkah evening with them and exchange small presents.
Gift suggestion: Cousin exchange!
6. This is usually an event at our temple or preschool (Jewish preschool)--but can also be a night of tzedakah or going to help somewhere. A "giving" night.
Gift suggestion: GIVE a gift! (They can also get coins or money to save)
7. This is a night when the kids give to mommy & daddy-- and only mommy & daddy get presents this night. It reminds the kids to think of the big people in the family and whether they just make something, or give the gift of telling them the things they like about their family, etc--- I like the idea of Hanukkah not ONLY being about the kids. This is a night to celebrate your parents! (Grandparents could be included, too.)
Gift suggestion: Kids give to parents! Handmade!
8.Mashup! Pick your favorite things from nights 1-7 and have an encore before Hanukkah is over! Games, latkes, whatever floats your boat!
Gift suggestion: Books
Happy Hanukkah!
Wishing you and yours a meaningful and FUN holiday!
