by Dana
Typically, December has the shortest days and the longest nights of the year, with the “darkest point” of the year (the winter solstice) occurring around December 21. So, during these colder, darker days, it is especially helpful to focus on adding light.
Lucky for us, December is a great time of joy, and throughout the month, we can add more “light,” literally and figuratively.
Chanukah, known as the Festival of Lights, began at sunset on Wednesday evening, December 25. Incredibly, Christmas, another bright holiday, also shared the day. Chanukah is known for its joyful celebration, as we lighten up our homes with the warmth and the miracle of Chanukah.
“The act of lighting the menorah each night symbolizes the idea of bringing light into darkness and spreading positivity even during challenging times; essentially, the act of sharing light represents sharing hope and optimism with others.” (Google)
Spreading light can also extend beyond candle lighting; we can brighten our world through intentional acts of kindness and gestures of love. Together, we can light up our world with the bright December holidays, positivity, and joy.
“The proper response, as Hanukkah teaches, is not to curse the darkness but to light a candle.” (Irving Greenberg)
WAYS TO SPREAD LIGHT DURING CHANUKAH AND ALWAYS
1. Brighten Your Chanukah with Warmth And Imagination: By embracing our traditions while combining imaginative ideas, we can deepen the holiday’s meaning and increase the fun factor! Use the amusing ideas below to add humor and joy. Each can be easily adapted for loved ones who have memory loss. I encourage all of us to slow down, smile, and be a little more present. Caregivers try to focus on creating a positive feeling and a meaningful moment. Do not worry about the outcome- just enjoy the time together.
- Make a Chanukah Café Breakfast: Start with adorable breakfast menorah (A menorahis the multibranched candelabra used during Chanukah.) The waffles are fun, easy, and delightful. Add a hot cup of coffee, sticky maple syrup, and fruit. Voila! – a perfect Chanukah café breakfast! Click here for the waffle recipe. This is a huge hit! Try it!
- Guzzle a Chanukah GeltHot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is one of those perfect winter, make-you-happy beverages – and a great ‘go-to’ for any winter holiday. However, this recipe is not your everyday hot chocolate drink. During Chanukah, there is a tradition to give gelt (Yiddish for money) or chocolate gelt to children. Enjoy this indulgent hot beverage with chocolate gelt or even with chocolate chips. Click here for the lip-smacking hot chocolate recipe.
- Eat Latkes!: I am a true latke connoisseur and can impressively “snarf down” my share of traditional latkes. However, if you are looking to get a little nutty this Chanukah and mix it up (after all, there are eight crazy nights!) then click here to check out “21 Next Level Latkes You Need to Try.” For example, some of these oil-centric recipes are cheesy latkes, curry vegetable latkes, rainbow latkes, and even hatch chile latkes with hatch guacamole. Let me know which is your favorite. Click here for the entire list of Latkes.
- Make Homemade Sufganiyot/donuts: Add a new recipe to your celebration. Enjoy this easy jelly donut recipe.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” (Edith Wharton)
2. Be A Light for Others: “This Hanukkah, remember that you are a candle. Give freely of your non-diminishing resources: patience, kindness, love, spirituality, knowledge, compassion, understanding. You lose nothing, and the world gains so much light.” (Lillian Feldman-Hill)
The simplest act or the smallest gesture of love can change someone’s day in an enormous way. In what ways can you shine your light on other people? In this noisy world, open your heart to others and become a beacon. Let’s keep our eyes open for friends and neighbors who may be struggling, are a little lonely, or whose light has dimmed. Be a candle, shine outward, and add light to our world. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
- Be An Active Listener: Pick up the phone and listen. Show empathy and understanding. Your genuine kindness will have an impact and provide a precious, needed gift.
- Share Your Knowledge: Teach someone a new skill, share information, or offer guidance.
- Volunteer: Donate your skills to a cause you care about. Do things for others.
- Be Positive: Focus on the good in a situation. Adopt positive language and statements.
- Express Gratitude: Thank people and let them know how much you value them.
“Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.” (unknown)
3. Find People with A Bright Outlook: I encourage you to find people who help you look toward the lighter side and fill your heart with a sunny perspective. Who lifts you up and provides your “emotional medicine?” Connect with that person and share details about your life. I’m sure it won’t take long until you start smiling and laughing. Of course, laughing triggers endorphins, which are the “happy chemicals in your brain!” So, surround yourself with positive people- lift your spirit and set fire to your soul.
“Stay close to people who feel like sunlight.” (author unknown)
4. Enjoy Shiny, Happy Chanukah Music: Music is therapeutic and can enrich this beautiful holiday! Get into the mood, sing-along, and dance! Friends, have the best time listening! – I certainly did! Enjoy these artistic, toe-tapping tunes:
- “A Wicked Chanukah” by Six13: Incredibly, the musical group Six13 was able to combine our traditions and shared history with the hottest musical, Wicked. This piece is powerful, inspirational, and uplifting; anyone who loves the musical Wicked (like me!) will think it is sheer genius! Click here for the (4+ minute) presentation.
- “Puppy For Chanukah” by Jewish Hamilton Star Daveed Diggs: This is one of my favorites. This humorous and charming tune/video will make you smile. In addition, let’s hear it for diversity! In 2015, Diggs discussed his Jewish roots and said, “I went to Hebrew school, but opted out of a Bar Mitzvah. My mom is a white Jewish lady and my dad is Black. The cultures never seemed separate- I had a lot of mixed friends. When I was young, I identified with being Jewish, but I embraced my dad’s side, too.” Click here to read the entire story (by Kveller) and scroll down the page to watch the incredible video.
- “You Can Light With Me” by Y-Studs’ Holiday Parody Of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me”: This is a charming Chanukah song. Y-Studs (adorable name, right?) is Yeshiva University’s a cappella group. They are good, and definitely have the winning first line of any song. “You’re on the phone with your Bubby/she’s upset. She’s wondering why you haven’t lit your candles yet.” Frankly, I’d like to invite the entire a cappella group to my Chanukah party and fix them up with my cousins! Do you think they would come? Click here for the (4-minute) video.
- Enjoy The Beloved Ladino Song, “Ocho Kandelikas”: Friends, this is slightly fabulous. Click here for the 2-minute video (Pink Marini ft China Forbes, Ari Shapiro, Storm Large and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana).
“There is always light.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
(Amanda Gorman)
5. Spark Positive Brain Health and Wellness: Did you know that by consciously repeating positive thoughts, you can help reshape your brain? Be an optimist and use the illuminating prompts below to help engage the power of positive thinking. Write down your answers and/or enjoy a lively discussion with someone you love. Allow the hopeful, optimistic thoughts to soak in. Then, notice how your body responds. It feels good to have a bright outlook!
- Awaken An Optimistic Perspective And Attitude: You have many wonderful qualities. Nourish your inner joy, sense of accomplishment, and value by answering these prompts: What are the things that keep you going? What are you most proud of- big or small?
“A little bit of light, dispels a lot of darkness” (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi)
6. We Stand With Israel: It is time for another Chanukah miracle- bring them home. Please continue to stand with Israel, and speak out against anti-Israel and anti-Jewish hate. Bring Israel into your thoughts with this prayer by The Maccabeats: Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare for the State of Israel.
“At this time of year, when the sun is most hidden, the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light. Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles that we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light.” (Rafael Goldstein)
Chanukah Sameach / Happy Chanukah! I am thinking of you and wishing you a joyous, bright December. I hope each day brings additional light into your lives and a renewed sense optimism and brightness into our world. We each have a choice in how we “show up”- let’s choose love and light.
Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
