Happy Thanksgivukkah

I am not sure of the exact number of years that this will ever happen again, but its something like 74,000.  What is amazing about it is that America is relatively a new country, and so is Thanksgiving.  Usually Chanukah has fallen around the end of December, but this year it is an interesting combination of everything Jewish and everything American.  Every show on TV is talking about mixing all the traditional foods of both cultures to make some unique and delicious treats. 

Our kids made their own menorahs in class, and we all lit tonight, they were so excited, and it was beautiful.  My family was never into presents, I do not know if that has always been that way or it just became that way because of the holiday season.  We mostly spent quality time together doing fun things, and that is what I want to do with my kids.  I just read an interesting article that it is not presents you are supposed to give on Chanukah but money, because that way even the poor would have money to get menorahs and candles and be able to light.
http://issuu.com/communitylinks/docs/issue_242_virtual?e=1065221/5772588
(scroll to page 54 once you click on the link)
I love that Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones and enjoying everything wonderful and being grateful.  Chanukah is about spreading light into the world, and also letting the light bulb go on inside our own heads.  We get into our routines, and I find myself checking in with priorities, and really focusing where I spend my energy.  My kids deserve it all, and so do I, and why not?

Happy Thanksgivukkah,
Coach Yulia