Historically, the holiday of Hanukkah memorializes the Jews’ victory led by the Maccabees against the Greeks and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days and eight nights, which was supposed to last for one night.
Despite that, Hanukkah has become a possessive holiday in which buying presents is more important than the holiday itself.
In the past, Hanukkah has not been a particularly popular Jewish holiday because it is not included in the Jewish bible. This is because its history was based around a military victory at the same time asJews were facing a civil war. For this reason, among others, Rabbis in Jewish history have not typically emphasized celebrating this holiday.
However, because of its proximity to Christmas, Hanukkah has become an increasingly popular holiday among American Jews, especially among those who are less observant of other Jewish holidays. Marked by a sense of family and light, Hanukkah becomes a favorite holiday for many, especially as it is an easy time of year to celebrate.
During this time of year, Jews often feel left out of the fun and warm holiday feeling. Hanukkah is used as a replica, to allow Jews to experience this same atmosphere. An example of this is the famed ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange in which people are randomly assigned a person to give to. It has become popular among some in the Jewish community to do a similar thing called ‘Mystery Maccabee’ or ‘Harry Hanukkah’ which tries to play off of the original fun.
Similar to Christmas, it is a custom to give or receive gifts during the holiday. Some families, including my own, give children gifts while others hold gift exchanges between families and friends. Some even give gifts on all eight nights of Hanukkah.
I recognize that gift giving is a way of engaging different people in the holiday and bringing them together. There is definitely a positive aspect of showing affection or appreciation through gifts, however, when it becomes the focus, it takes away from the general point of Hanukkah.
However, Hanukkah has become materialistic, and its focus has shifted from the initial purpose of the holiday celebration to giving and exchanging gifts. I often hear my friends or siblings comparing the types of gifts they receive and how many. Additionally, in some cases I feel obligated and pressured to buy family members and friends gifts. As someone who struggles with gift giving, I find it a stressful time that takes away from other aspects of the holiday.
This year I am participating in at least three gift exchanges among friends. Not only do I feel stressed about it, but I also find that it doesn’t really connect to Hanukkah at all. I am simply buying gifts for others and exchanging them. No where in the process thinking about or immersing myself in the holiday.
More generally, Hanukkah is about celebrating miracles and light along with religious freedoms.
There is much to unpack in the holiday and much to celebrate. Spending time with family and friends, eating latkes and donuts and understanding its story are more meaningful ways to spend Hanukkah.
