Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), is observed for eight nights and days. It starts on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Did you know these facts?
Hanukkah is not considered a significant religious holiday when compared to other Jewish holidays.
The menorah holds nine candles. In the center stands the shamus or servant. The shamus lights the eight other Hanukkah candles.
The Hanukkah candles are strictly for pleasure. They are not to be utilized for any useful or productive purpose. The shamus is available, so the Hanukkah candles aren’t accidentally used to light a fire in the fireplace or another useful purpose.
Gift giving is not traditionally a part of the Hanukkah holiday.
Playing dreidel is a gambling game popular during the Hanukkah holiday.
Fried foods are traditional during the holiday, representing the oil used to light the lamps.
During the time of Alexander the Great, Jewish culture began to blend with the Greek culture. Jews who accepted Greek culture at the expense of their religion became known as Hellenists. Alexander and the Jews had a mostly peaceful relationship; the Jews were loyal to his rule, and Alexander didn’t destroy and abuse them.
Around 190 BCE, when Alexander left Israel, and Antiochus IV took over, most Jews had assimilated to Greek culture but continued to practice their faith. However, Antiochus expected more from the Jews.
Antiochus forced Greek culture on the devout Jewish people by placing Hellenistic priests in the Temple. He also desecrated the Temple by sacrificing pigs at the altar, prohibiting Jews from practicing their faith, killing their faithful, and levying heavy taxes upon them.
A rebel force of Jews formed around the year 166 BCE. They revolted against Antiochus’ government and took back the Temple. So that they could rededicate the Temple, oil was needed for the menorah. But there was only enough undefiled oil to last one night. Miraculously, it lasted eight days. Hanukkah is the eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating this miracle of the oil.
Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Every year from December 26 – January 1, Kwanzaa brings people together for feasts, gift-giving, and the celebration of family, community and culture.
The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. On each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, families gather and light one of the seven candles on the Kinara, which is a candle holder. Once this is done, one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba are discussed among the family. These principles are values of African culture.
Believe it or not, Kwanzaa is actually a fairly “new” holiday. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga who was a professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University at the time (1966). Dr. Karenga was looking for a way to bring the African-American community together, so he founded “US,” a cultural organization, and began digging into African harvest celebrations. He then put several of those together, and Kwanzaa was born.
HISTORY
HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn more about Kwanzaa, and partake in the celebrations if you wish! Everyone is encouraged to celebrate. Use #Kwanzaa to post on social media. The holiday is based around these seven principles.
Unity
Self-determination
Collective work and responsibility
Cooperative Economics
Purpose
Creativity
Faith
This month, do your own research on the history and meaning of Kwanzaa to learn more and appreciate the reason it came about in the first place. Whether you are African-American or not, you are encouraged to take part!
I have a short cut I’ve used for years. I worked in retail for almost 20 years. Due to health issues, I can now ignore Black Friday hours. As much as I love the deals, having worked retail all those years, I want Amazon to deliver it!
While having to get up for work at 1am…no that’s not a typo. Get up at 1am, be at my store by 3am. While I do not miss those schedules, I learned some tricks that I still use when cooking Thanksgiving dinner. The biggest complaint I hear is how much work it takes, and spending all day in the kitchen. So with that in mind here are my turkey tricks…
Make sure to observe Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! This is the perfect day get the fridge Thankgiving dinner ready. Even if your not hosting this will come in handy if you’re taking something along too.
If doing a whole turkey, even for just a few do the bigger one. The work to cook a big or small bird is about the same. 10lbs or 22lbs, you still have to defrost, clean, baste, roast, etc. So do the bigger bird and make it worth your time. Turkey’s go on great sales you have leftovers for 3 or more meals is a great investment of your time and money.
Just you 2? If your staying in and still want that traditional turkey? Try a turkey breast. Bone in or a Butterball Turkey breast roast are great alternatives. We like the roasts with both white and dark meat. You can cook traditionally in the oven, but a great time saver is your crockpot. You can add broth and water to keep it moist. Put it in the night before and you’re done. You can even toss potatoes and veggies to make a 1 (crock)pot dinner.
Use your extra time to cuddle up together. Enjoy a holiday movie, the football game, or something new. Read a book, or plot your shopping trip if you are doing ‘Black Friday.” However you spend it enjoy the memories you make big or small, they last far beyond the leftovers.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
This easy side dish not only looks great but tastes so good even the kids eat all these vegetables.
Ingredients
1 Eggplant 1 bag brussel sprout halves ( fresh produce) 2 bell peppers assorted colors 1 pint grape tomatoes (I cut mine in half) 1 purple medium onion in wide strips Broccoli florets Cauliflower florets Baby or chopped carrots You can add potatoes if you choose
I also add different seasoning depending who and how I’m serving them. I add Rosemary when serving with Christmas dinner. These also save a ton of time and you can skip the oil.
Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise. ~Gladys Taber
November is the 11th month of the Gregorian calendar, with 30 days. Its name derives from the Latin word “novem,” meaning nine, as it was originally the ninth month in the ancient Roman calendar before January and February were added. It signals the transition toward winter in the Northern Hemisphere, often associated with harvest preparations, thanksgiving feasts, and a sense of reflection.
Season and Weather
In the Northern Hemisphere, November is the last full month of autumn, with days growing shorter and temperatures cooling significantly. Average weather varies by region: in much of the United States and Europe, expect highs ranging from 40–60°F (4–15°C) in temperate areas, with increasing chances of frost, rain, or early snow, especially later in the month. 16 Folklore warns that heavy November snow may persist until April, while mild conditions could lead to a muddy winter. 16 In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s spring, bringing warmer weather and blooming landscapes.
Sports
November is a peak time for several major sports seasons. American football is in full swing, with the NFL regular season heating up and college football games building toward bowl selections. The NBA basketball and NHL hockey seasons are well underway, featuring intense early matchups. Globally, soccer leagues like the English Premier League continue, and endurance events such as the New York City Marathon (typically the first Sunday) draw massive participation. Other highlights include tennis tournaments and the start of winter sports preparations.
Activities
Common activities in November revolve around autumn’s end and holiday prep. People enjoy leaf-peeping in colorful forests, harvest festivals, and outdoor pursuits like hiking or apple picking before colder weather sets in. Indoor tasks include gardening clean-up, such as using fallen leaves for mulch or marking plant locations for spring. Thanksgiving preparations dominate in the U.S., with cooking feasts, family gatherings, and shopping on Black Friday. Awareness campaigns like No-Shave November encourage beard-growing for cancer awareness. It’s also a time for community events, aviation appreciation, and stamp collecting hobbies.
Birthstones: Topaz (symbolizing friendship, often in yellow or orange hues) and citrine (a more affordable quartz crystal representing joy and success).
Flower: Chrysanthemum, from Greek roots meaning “golden flower,” symbolizing honesty, joy, and optimism.
Symbols: Zodiac signs are Scorpio (October 23–November 21, representing intensity and transformation) and Sagittarius (November 22–December 21, symbolizing adventure and philosophy). November is also linked to themes of preparation and somber reflection in folklore.
Famous Birthdays
November boasts many notable figures across history, science, arts, and entertainment. Some highlights include:
November 7: Marie Curie (1867), pioneering physicist and chemist who discovered radium.
November 10: Martin Luther (1483), founder of the Protestant Reformation.
November 11: Leonardo DiCaprio (1974), acclaimed actor and environmental activist.
November 14: Claude Monet (1840), influential Impressionist painter.
November 19: Indira Gandhi (1917), first female Prime Minister of India.
November 20: Robert F. Kennedy (1925), U.S. Senator and advocate for civil rights.
November 21: Voltaire (1694), Enlightenment philosopher and writer.
November 30: Mark Twain (1835), American author of classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Important Occurrences from History
Two pivotal events stand out in November’s historical timeline:
November 11, 1918: The Armistice of World War I was signed, ending the devastating conflict at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, leading to celebrations worldwide and the basis for modern Veterans/Remembrance Day.
November 22, 1963: U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, a shocking event that reshaped American politics and culture, with Lyndon B. Johnson sworn in as president shortly after.
