We are in the season of Chanukah, aka Hanukkah, and this is the second year that we've upheld a new family tradition during this time. In addition to lighting the candles of our home-crafted hanukiah (the special menorah for lighting at Chanukkah), we also read the story of the Macabees which is central to the Chanukah holiday. I found a few resources online and this is the link we've been using for each family member to read from: http://freepdfhosting.com/c6255a58b4.pdf
Once we've read the section of the story, each child has a bag with their individual gifts wrapped up. We allow them to pick out one gift each night to open and enjoy. I tend to be relatively practical, so I've given gifts such as socks, mittens, tolietries and cosmetics in addition to a few toys and arts/crafts. Although gift giving tends to be more of a modern tradition, it's one that we incorporated and has strengthened a sense of gratitude amongst our children.
Enjoy the pics and HAPPY CHANUKAH!!
Once we've read the section of the story, each child has a bag with their individual gifts wrapped up. We allow them to pick out one gift each night to open and enjoy. I tend to be relatively practical, so I've given gifts such as socks, mittens, tolietries and cosmetics in addition to a few toys and arts/crafts. Although gift giving tends to be more of a modern tradition, it's one that we incorporated and has strengthened a sense of gratitude amongst our children.
Enjoy the pics and HAPPY CHANUKAH!!