Since it's the most wonderful time of the year, I thought it was relevant to talk about the holiday that make this time of year so wonderful for me; Hanukkah. However, I feel that the characteristics of this holiday have been misinterpreted or made unclear, so as a fellow Hanukkah celebrator I thought I would take it upon myself to clear some things up so everyone can understand the true form of Hanukkah. :)

1. Not every family gives and receives eight presents for each night...or any presents at all for that matter.

2. Not all celebrators of Hanukkah know the dreidel song; even though most do, like come on, who doesn't know that hit tune??

3. The menorah is completely different from the Kinara, the traditional light for those who celebrate Kwanzaa.

4. Latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly donuts are made especially for the holiday, but they can be eaten year-round; however, people will most likely look at you questioningly and maybe with a little bit of jealousy.

5. Hanukkah and Christmas aren't always celebrated on the same day or in the same month!

6. Hanukkah is probably the most well-known Jewish holiday, but it isn't the most important. Yom Kippur (a day to repent for your sins and ask for atonement from God in order to be sealed in the book of life) and Rosh Hashanah (celebrates the Jewish new year) would be the most significant and holy holidays.

I hope everyone (no matter what you celebrate or believe in) has the most amazing holiday season yet and takes advantage of it to be with loved ones and appreciate the people and things in your life that make it worth living. :)

-N