Are you looking for a Fun DIY craft to get your kids ready to celebrate Hanukkah / Chanukah? How about making your own set of candles to use? They are super easy to make - even your younger kids can make them.
Hanukkah or Chanukah is also known as the Festival of Lights.
The Hanukkah story: More than 2,000 years ago a large group of Jews - called the Macabees - rebelled against their oppressors. They were victorious over the larger Syrian army, but during the rededication of their temple, they found that there was only enough oil to illuminate the temple's menorah - for one night.
But to their surprise it lasted for eight nights. Learn more about the Story of Chanukah
This is why, during Hanukkah, Jewish people around the world light the menorah on each of the 8-nights of Hanukkah - starting with one candle on the first night and then adding one more each night until all eight are lit. The tallest space of the menorah (often in the center, but not always). It is called the helper candle - or shamash in Hebrew, this candle is used to light all other candles each night.
Hanukkah is rich in tradition and there are many traditions families celebrate. In my family, we sing songs, spin the dreidel, and eat lots of yummy fried food like donuts and latkes - check out this delicious sweet potato latke recipe.
Along with those traditions, we've added a new Hanukkah tradition in our house that I love. Instead of store-bought Hanukkah / Chanukah candles, we decided to make our own. We buy a special candle-making kit, which means there is no muss, no fuss and - best of all - no big clean up. This craft is so easy and fun for all ages - and a great new tradition for our family that your family can try too!
 man_kukuku from Getty Images via Canva |
What you need:
- Hanukkah candle making kit or beeswax candles with string. You'll need enough to make 44 candles as the candles are burned down each night of Hanukkah and replaced with new the next day. You can find kits at craft stores or online.
Directions:
- Put parchment paper down on the table to keep from getting wax on the surface.
- Place a string (the wick) the length of the beeswax on one end of the beeswax candle.
- Press the string down gently and then roll the beeswax as tight as you can.
- Once rolled, place on the table and roll it back and forth a few times to create a circular shape to fit into the menorah holes.
PRO TIP: To keep candles from tipping inside the menorah, when you light the candle melt the bottom part and let a few drops of wax fall into the hole. Then place the candle in the hole. Or you can also line the menorah holes with foil, which keeps candles in place and also helps in easy cleanup.
This previously shared article has been updated by Brenna Gutell, publisher of Macaroni KID Conejo Valley-Malibu-Calabasas
