On Chanukah I love to give my kids little prizes and useful presents......little things to make them happy and enjoy the holiday, and bigger things of the more practical nature. This year everyone got alarm clocks, reading lamps and storage baskets. Things that we needed and that were nonetheless received with great joy. The idea of giving presents each night is not an Israeli custom, so while my kids certainly enjoy the idea of presents there isn't any peer pressure. I figure that most of our neighbors have large extended families with whom to celebrate, while we pretty much don't. So instead I bring out the little gifts and treats to make the holiday special. A creative mom has got to do what she's got to do!
The photo above is an example of the treats and prizes that I used to fill the crocheted gift pouches, which I gave my kids on the first night of Chanukah. I have to say, they were even excited about the turtle eraser, but probably more excited about the quantity of chocolate coins.......
Chanukah Sameach!
