One of my favorite holiday specials growing up as a millennial child was the Rugrats Hanukah special. Now, I may sound a bit biased because I am Jewish, and there were not many cartoon Hanukah specials on TV, (Eight Crazy Nights does not count, and it's probably one of the worst Adam Sandler movies I have ever seen), but it perfectly explained the story of this holiday to young children curious about the origins of Hanukah. Because Hanukah is just around the corner, although arriving later than usual, I thought it would be only appropriate to mesh two of my favorite topics together to get the holiday spirit going. The Rugrats and Hanukah. We may not have ever experienced the Rugrats "celebrating" Hanukah by spinning dreidels and winning gelt, lighting the Menorah followed by the opening of a present, and enjoy Latkes dipped in sour cream and/or apple sauce, but they've probably experienced moments in the television show where they were able to relate to the holiday "joys" of Hanukah.
1.
You begin to contemplate about what gifts to get for your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, and/or grandparents. It makes Santa's job seem easier than yours. He only has to deliver for one night. You have to try to come up with gift ideas for EIGHT NIGHTS.2.
When you were younger, Hanukah seemed more simpler. All you had to do was eat latkes that your family members made, spin dreidels and eat chocolate golden coins, watch your family members carefully light the candles of each light of the Menorah, and open presents that your parents/grandparents/family members spent time wrapping. As an adult, all of those responsibilities lie on us. Can I just go back to being five again?
3.
And let's not forget to those who have to attend services during Hanukah. As if finals wasn't already a hellish experience.
4.
However, there's just something so fascinating about the "mirable" behind Hanukah. Everything about the story is so fascinating and touching from the rebuilding of the Temples, to the miracle oil that was only suppose to last for one night, and ended up lasting for a total of eight nights.
5.
And getting together with the family to light the Menorah is always a Hanukah treat.