This is my recurring column in which my brilliant six-year old answers all of life’s most serious questions better than you can (don’t believe me? Check out her take on the election and the history of Thanksgiving). Today my non-Jewish, non-religious daughter is talking Hanukkah.
Two years or so ago I overhead a conversation between Samantha and her cousin Jack. Obsessed with teaching others anything she possibly could from a young age (also known as being in full control of everything at all times), Sam had taken it upon herself to teach her (non-denominational Christian) cousin about Judaism–or as she put it: I’m gonna teach you Jewish.
When I walked into the room she was saying something like this:
There are eight days of Hannukah and every night you light a new candle. On the last night, a big ball of lights drops down from the sky while everyone is counting and there are fireworks.
I had to break it to the girl that she wasn’t exactly teaching her cousin “Jewish,” but she was telling him a little bit about Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July all at once.
In the two years since, her fascination with Hanukkah hasn’t waned much. In fact the number one item on her list for Santa last year was a KidKraft Hanukkah set complete with a menorah, dreidel, coins and latkes . And, uh, of course Santa brought it.
This year, I thought I’d get her latest thoughts on Hanukkah and share them.
Tell me something you know about Hanukkah.
Well, I know that you open gifts on Hanukkah and you eat lots of different things (like latkes. I love latkes!) and you light candles.
Is there anything about Hanukkah that makes you wish you celebrate it?
LATKES!
Do you know any Hanukkah traditions?
Friends and family come over and you have fun and play games like the dreidel.
What is the menorah?
You light a candle each night.
Can I add something else? I wish I celebrated Hanukkah because it seems like fun and lots of my friends celebrate it. My favorite part would be having fun with all of my friends and being with my family.
[Mother’s note: Um, is it just me or does this kid have a future in politics and/or beauty pageants with answers like these?]
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
I married into a Jewish family, and I can tell you that she’s pretty much spot-on. Latkes are the only good thing about Hanukkah.
I love this! She’s adorable. You’re right, her answers are very “beauty-pageant”…how sweet! I absolutely love the way that children are so excited to learn about new cultures and traditions! It gives me so much hope for the future 😉
It’s clear she’s a ball on holidays! 🙂
Hahahaha aww this is so cute and *ahem* educational to me!! Even though I have no idea what are latkes, dreidel or menorahs 😉
Hash browns, tops, and candlabras.
Her face! Her pose! Somebody is REALLY excited for Hanukkah, huh? 😉 That’s a beautiful thing!
She is just a hoot.
I LOVE that “santa” brought her a Hanukkah set! The irony:)
C
Well, I learned all kinds of info from her. Very smart that one!