Chanukah Gift Guide 2023

No shopping required

Joining the ugly Chanukah merchandise movement <3

Adeena Sussman’s Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors from My Israeli Kitchen arrived in a padded envelope on my doorstep about ten days ago. How timely, I thought, since I’m always eager to bring Israeli flavors into our home, but especially now. Food serves as a wonderful touchpoint of solidarity.

Alas, there was no card or even a little slip from the shipper telling me who had sent it. I wanted to thank the generous giver and maybe bake a chocolate-orange babka (page 350) in appreciation. I mean, the cookbook had not fallen out of the sky.

I asked around and posted about it on Facebook with no success. Finally, I called my aunt, who said, “Yep, that’s from me. Happy Birthday!” Mystery solved. I’m still working up the energy to bake that babka.

Two months ago, I promised myself not to sink into the mire of the news cycle, yet I have sunk deep into the mire of the news cycle. And yet, I keep looking for the good, for the joy and the blessings, hoping they’ll yank me out of it.

Miro and I had a long drive the other day. We put on my Chanukah playlist and sang the whole way home. I bought the ugliest Chanukah sweater — in truth, the only Chanukah sweater on the racks — at TJ Maxx this morning and I am already wearing the ugly Chanukah socks I acquired last year. I may even eat a donut and I don’t like donuts. I am telling you all of this to say that I am throwing myself into the spirit of the chag, chin all the way up. I know the light is still on out there and this is the season to remind us of that truth.

So I negotiated a deal with myself. For each night of Chanukah, I’m going to journal the blessings of the day. However, they are packaged, they are regularly dropped from the sky onto my porch without a return address or a gift card or even a slip of paper from the shipping company. But I know the sender and I owe Him a big thank you. Modah ani, and a Chanukah Sameach to the One Above.

8 gifts from me to you <3

I love gift-giving. Here are a few digital treats for you to enjoy this season:

1. My talented son made this “Chanukah Is Here” remix to get us in the right mood for the Festival of Lights. As he suggests, grab a donut, a latke or two, and let the music transport you. And please share the link. Thank you!

2. I am not a big donut fan. But I have been dreaming about the hot caramel-filled sufganiyot we used to eat on Chanukah when I was a student in Jerusalem years ago. That swayed me to commit to making these beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar as a treat for Shabbos Chanukah.

3. This Maccabeats version of “Light One Candle” is running on repeat on my playlist. I also love the original version of the song, released by Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1986.

4. My sons often tell me, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!” when it comes to my cooking. They like my standards. Still, I feel the need to try this latke recipe from Smitten Kitchen. I have a hankering for that small change.

5. I have no Lego fans visiting this year, but I can’t resist sharing this How to Build a Lego Dreidel idea from Kosher on a Budget.

6. Print and enjoy these adorable, free Chanukah coloring pages from my friend Ann Koffsky, a wonderful writer and illustrator.

7. Years ago, when my boys were small, we prepared these marshmallow dreidels together. They are a fun idea for a Chanukah party dessert buffet or as an edible activity.

8. These origami dreidels are an easy craft project. I’m thinking to put one at each place setting this Shabbos.

9. And lastly, since I don’t want to leave the shamash (the lead candle) out, here’s a collection of Chanukah-themed poems to inspire you.

Gifts I’m Giving Myself This Year

1. Grace. I do not have to do it all this season. For example, just because I’ve always made menorah-shaped sugar cookies for the holiday does not mean I have to now. Nor must I fry 3 different kinds of latkes. One will surely do.

2. Time to read. I have read fewer books in the past two months than I ever have before. My mind drifts easily to thought of the hostages still held in Gaza and the war and the general state of global instability. I’m hoping to carve out short periods each day of Chanukah just to stick my head in a book. I miss books.

3. Moments to crochet. Crocheting allows me to relax, clear my head, and think about nothing but creating something beautiful. I need more of that.

4. Guiltless latkes. Meaning, I’m going to enjoy, not calorie-count.

5. Takeout. We’re going to order in one night this week. I rarely do that, but I will. Happy Chanukah to me.

6. A large, deep pareve frying pan. All these years, I have never owned one and now I do. Our beignets and latkes will be pareve and I’m very excited about that.

7. Asking for help. I haven’t figured out how or what, but I’m going to try.

8. Dropping the weight of an expectation. Expectations are disappointments in advance. I’m going to let go of one.

9. TBD. I’m leaving this slot open for now.

One Gift You Can Give Me

If you are already a subscriber to Days of Rest, thank you so so much. I am grateful.

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Wishing you all a Happy Chanukah, A Freilechen Chanukah, and a Chag Urim Sameach!

But also, Gut Shabbos! and Shabbat Shalom!

Love,
Merri