For the first time since 1888, two completely different holidays now fall on the same day: Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Thanksgivukkah, Hanugiving, or whatever you want to call it, makes for an interesting time for those of the Jewish religion. Some may see it as poor timing because it will be harder to distract themselves from the Christmas spirit, but I say nonsense! GOBBLE TOV! Thanksgivukkah combines two great holidays and makes Hanukkah even more special for those of the Jewish religion who may not experience an exciting time around Hanukkah that can compare to Christmas. Thus, I present the many wonderful combinations that come of this new holiday.
1. Latkes + Thanksgiving food = an even greater food coma. This wonderful merging of holidays is the prime time to eat some wonderful foods, or even just spice up your typical Thanksgiving menu. Can you say sweet potato latkes, anyone? This puts a Thanksgiving spin on the traditional Hanukkah recipe for latkes, and sounds so amazing–I’m already salivating. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started! Even adding some challah to the table instead of classic rolls or biscuits makes the day that much more delicious! This recipe for challah-apple stuffing will blow your mind. Or, go for the fancy look with a turkey shaped Challah—pretty epic, am I right?
2. A turkey shaped menorah, or “Menurkey,” exists. Invented by a fourth grade boy who has already made upward of about $50,000, this is one of the greatest and funniest things I’ve seen all week. Ashor Weintraub, the 9-year-old inventor of this genius creation, thought of the idea when he heard of these holidays colliding; he thought people would like to have a menorah that commemorates both holidays since, more or less, both celebrate being thankful. A staple for the table on Thanksgivukkah, this one of a kind menorah is creative and special—who knows when we’ll see another Thanksgivukkah happen, if ever?
3. Spin the dreidel while watching the Macy’s Day Parade. This is the perfect example of combining two fan favorite holiday traditions: playing dreidel, and enjoying the amazing floats of the Macy’s Day Parade at the same time. When you’re full and can’t move, plop yourself on the couch, near a table, or on the floor, and use the downtime to wind down and have some fun!
4. Use Hanukkah gelt to bet on the winner of the Thanksgiving Day football games. Even I’ll admit that watching football on Thanksgiving after you’ve stuffed your face is a great feeling. There’s nothing like spending time with your family with wonderful food on your plates and flipping back and forth between the Macy’s Day Parade and the game. Now, add some chocolate Hanukkah gelt into the mix and the day doesn’t get much better! To make things fun and interesting, use the gelt to bet on who will win the football games with your siblings. Make sure you choose wisely though—you don’t want to lose all your delicious gelt to them!
5. The meaning behind the two holidays, gratitude and miracles, fit perfectly. Amazing food combinations aside, the collision of these holidays allows us to really focus on the meanings behind them. While the Maccabees fought for the right to our religious freedom, we can also celebrate the freedom of the Pilgrims, who came to America to escape persecution because of their religion. Both celebrate the fact that today we should be thankful and grateful for our religious freedom and our rights, something that would never have happened without those in history. Sometimes, the values and historical reasons behind Thanksgiving get lost in the rush for Christmas, but I think overlapping with Hanukkah really brings out the importance that both of these holidays share. They remind us to be grateful for the food on our table, our freedom, rights, and the ones we love.
So eat up, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and remember the beautiful history of both holidays as you celebrate your Thanksgivukkah. May your day be full of sweet potato latkes, menurkeys, and whatever other traditions you form! Gobble tov to all!