Nine Nights of Hanukkah

Yes, I am well aware that Hanukkah is only eight nights.  But since Ben was not with us for nights seven and eight, we decided to have a ninth night.  Plus, we weren't home for the last two nights so we didn't get to see our menorahs all lit up.  And with the weekend full of saddness and darkness surrounding the ultimate tragedy in Connecticut, we wanted to fully experience the miracle of Hanukkah and see the bright menorahs.  So we had Needle Night Nine. 

All throughout Hanukkah, we talked with the kids about the story of Hanukkah, what it means, and the spirit of the season.  We tried very hard not to make it about the presents.  Don't get me wrong, they got PLENTY of presents.  Far beyond what they could ever need or even want.  But of course, it is exciting for them to open presents and get cool things.  We just want to instill the giving and the spirit rather than the tangible gifts that really have no connection.  You can do what do and hope that somehow the message makes it through their 2, 4, and 6 year old heads. 

As we were lighting our full menorahs, I asked them, "so guys what is Hanukkah about?".  I was hoping that I wouldn't regret asking the question by getting an answer I really didn't want to hear (i.e., presents).  Simultaneously, Max and Alexis replied.  Alexis said, "family" and Max said, "miracles".  Hallelujah, we did our job. Yes, it is about family and miracles.  Maizy didn't have a response, but I did ask her yesterday morning what was the best part about Hanukkah and she said, "the candles".  I'll take that too. 

Here they are on the first night of Hanukkah 2012: