I am super excited to share this guest post from my sister, Becky! Today, she’s sharing some great ideas for how to celebrate Hanukkah (or Chanukah) through a care package. Please remember to keep in mind the USPS’ holiday guidelines for shipping, especially when it comes to sending a care package overseas to a deployed service member. The USPS publishes guidelines every October for holiday shipping; please also remember that these deadlines are centered around Christmas– so you’ll need to adjust and make allowances depending on the date of Hanukkah and USPS guidance.
Growing up, my family went hard for holiday celebrations. I’m talking Elf-on-the-shelf before it was cool, highly anticipated breakfast sweet breads that were made just once a year, glitter hairspray for special occasions, glasses stored out of reach reserved for fancy hot chocolate, coordinated velvet dresses … you get the picture.
My husband grew up celebrating Hanukkah. While dating as an interfaith couple, people always wanted to know about how we handled religion. To me, it wasn’t difficult to figure out — we just had twice the holidays!
Since then, we’ve formed our own family and are creating our own holiday memories. It’s so exciting to finally have our own tree skirt, menorah, and yearly traditions. I just really love holidays.
I grew up observing Christian holidays and admittedly didn’t know a lot about Hanukkah. It’s the festival of lights, right? And Jewish kids got 8 WHOLE DAYS of presents? I have memories of singing a Hanukkah-themed song during each elementary holiday concert, but that’s about where my knowledge of Hanukkah ended before I met my husband.
Over the years of celebrating Christmas with my family and Hanukkah with his, one thing has become very clear to me: no matter what winter festival you celebrate, the traditions of the season and time with the people you hold dear are the most important parts. It’s not really about the tree or the menorah, the Christmas cookies, or the sufaniyot (though those things are definitely wonderful!). It’s about the time spent and memories created with friends and family.
Spending holidays apart from the ones you love is always hard. There’s no way around it. But with a few Hanukkah comforts and the magic of Zoom, you can have a Hanukkah party in a care package.
Food
- For Jewish people, it might not feel like Hanukkah without latkes (add some applesauce for a delicious topping).
- Add sufganiyot to the mix — it’s a can’t-miss!
- There’s just something festive about these fun straws.
- Ring pops? Nope! Dreidel pops!
- Include plates, cups, and napkins to make it feel like a party!
- Challah is always a good idea.
Decorations
- Spice up their Zoom background with a Hanukkah banner.
- Skip the hassle of trying to find candles that fit a menorah and go right for this travel-sized electric one or this travel-sized candle set.
- Who doesn’t need jaunty Hanukkah window clings?
Gifts
- Fill this photo frame with memories of Hanukkahs past and continue updating the photos into the future.
- Create a countdown to Hanukkah… almost like a Hanukkah Advent calendar! Any other dual faith households out there?
- Write your sweetie Hanukkah wishes on a 3D menorah greeting card.
- Include this pack of dreidels for a little bit of fun.
- Don’t forget the chocolate gelt!
Looking For More Care Package Ideas? Try These:
- 40 Ways to Save Money on Care Packages
- The Gigantic List of Free Care Packages for Deployed Service Members
- Here’s What Troops Really Want in a Care Package
