No job and fewer gifts Nov 30, 2008
But Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's all honor light in a dark season. Perhaps that is why people around the United States, in describing how they are adjusting celebrations this year, speak of finding the upbeat in the downbeat at least until the last scrap of wrapping paper is tossed. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Capitol Holiday Decor To Include Nativity, Menorah, Athiest Sign Nov 30, 2008
A menorah is a candelabrum that recognizes Hanukkah. That prompted a lawmaker from Spokane to stage a protest at the Capitol, demanding the holiday tree be called a "Christmas tree." It also led a local real estate agent to sue the state to allow the nativity display depicting the birth of Jesus. (KIRO TV, WA)
Capitol holiday decor: tree, manger, atheist sign Nov 30, 2008
A menorah is a candelabrum that recognizes Hanukkah. That prompted a lawmaker from Spokane to stage a protest at the Capitol, demanding the holiday tree be called a Christmas tree. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Religion news Nov 30, 2008
Dreidels and Donuts : Hanukkah song and story hour. Get ready for Hanukkah with Dreidels and Donuts, a free Hanukkah song and story hour at the Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St., on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. ... It is an opportunity for families with children age 8 and under to get ready to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday and to meet other Jewish and interfaith families in their local communities. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Less oil make latkes healthier Nov 30, 2008
Golden, fried latkes may be the traditional food of Hanukkah, but nutritionally they offer little cause for celebration. Classic versions of these savory potato pancakes usually are fried inasmuch as a cup of oil, a reference to the oil that kept the eternal flame burning in the temple of Jerusalem. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Letters from readers Nov 30, 2008
I see we have come to the time of year when a portion of our citizenry must begin to complain of the terrible injustice of saying or hearing, "Happy Holidays." In this the season of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the new year, let's be reminded that Jesus preached, "love thy neighbor as thyself.". We are so lucky to live in the United States where thousands have died to ensure for all of us the right to choose the church and belief which most suits us without fear of government harassment or... (Florida Times-Union)
December is crowded with religious and cultural special days Nov 29, 2008
To many people, December brings something else: Eid al-Adha, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa ... Jewish synagogues and homes will light up with menorahs during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, which this year will begin at sundown Dec. 21 ... HanukkahThis holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C.E. The temple had been taken over by Hellenistic Syrians, who had dedicated it to Greek gods. (Fresno Bee)
Rabbi and wife killed... Nov 29, 2008
They became the most outward-looking of the ultrareligious groups, constructing giant Hanukkah menorahs in public places, proselytizing among less pious Jews and building Chabad centers from Sao Paulo to Bangkok. The once-tiny sect has swelled in number and influence. (The Drudge Report)
Grinch won't steal Christmas after all Nov 29, 2008
"I told my husband to buy me a DVD and write me a love poem. I do need love." In the end, families will get together this year to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas just like last year and the year before and the year before that. They'll hug and kiss, express gratitude and give thanks. (Montana Standard, MT)
LETTER: Annual Santa Parade welcomes your support Nov 29, 2008
Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner. The Amesbury Santa Parade Committee invites you to be part of this festive holiday tradition. (Amesbury News, MA)
Big list of holiday events Nov 29, 2008
Children and families hear Hanukkah holiday stories. Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. (AZCentral -- Business)
An Intimate Atmosphere Nov 28, 2008
While last year's show focused on Christmas, this year's includes celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah. The performances aren't really staged; they aren't even really performances. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Secret Santa to rescue: Gift swaps gaining fans Nov 28, 2008
Web sites that take the sting out of organizing group giving report big increases in usage heading into Christmas and Hanukkah, with members of book groups, class parents buying the sole gift for teachers and other group givers joining to hold down holiday spending. Elfster. (AZCentral -- News)
Out & About: Roundup of holiday concerts Nov 28, 2008
Listeners will also be treated to music for Hanukkah and a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. Tickets are available at the door at $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
COLUMN: Any day you celebrate it, have a happy Thanksmasweenukah Nov 27, 2008
So, lest we forget our Jewish brethren, it s Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, that Judaism eagerly awaits for an eight-day celebration about this time of year ... And celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah bring a spirit of love, commemoration and joy to the season ... Starting on Sept. 1, we ll have a national holiday encompassing Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, Hanukkah and New Year s Day. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Pop goes the Cape Nov 27, 2008
Saturday and Sunday you'll be able to hear the Cape Ann Symphony and the Cape Ann Singers perform "March of the Toys," "Star Carol," and, to be equal opportunity, "Sounds of Hanukkah." Saturday night's show includes a wine bar with champagne (think date night), and on Sunday, there will be coffee and hot chocolate (think family). Saturday night at 8 p.m.. (Boston Globe)
How to Create Holiday Gifts on a Budget: Ten "How-To" Holiday Gift Ideas from Suite101.com Nov 27, 2008
VANCOUVER, Nov. 27 /CNW/ - Suite101. There are some fun and fresh ideas out there, from making nature-inspired and personalized gifts to getting totally creative with family photos for holiday cards and calendars. (Canada Newswire)
Our View: Ready, set, shop? Nov 27, 2008
After all, none of the holidays celebrated at this time of year - from Christmas to Hanukkah to Las Posadas to Kwanzaa - are supposed to be about some love of material collections. Selecting and giving a gift should be a symbol that reflects a deeper appreciation for our family and friends and our combined faith in a higher power. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Holiday guide Nov 27, 2008
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa events, guides holiday planning, es for Palm Beach, Treasure Coast Florida. 80. (The Palm Beach Post)
MediaFLO USA Cooks up a Mobile TV Feast This Holiday Season With FOOD NETWORK on FLO TV Nov 27, 2008
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MediaFLO USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: - ), and Scripps Networks have announced FOOD NETWORK, a new FLO TV(TM) lifestyle service that gives AT&T Mobile TV customers a feast of home and cooking programming in time for their Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's and bowl game celebrations. This is Scripps Networks' first mobile TV offering and will air content that includes bites of programming favorites from... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Surprising dangers for pets during... Nov 27, 2008
Brisket for Hanukkah. Ham for Christmas and pot roast for New Year's. (CNN -- Law)
Holiday happenings abound Nov 27, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008. Get into the spirit with concerts, crafts, festivals and more. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Less oil, different potatoes make for healthier latkes Nov 26, 2008
Golden, fried latkes may be the traditional food of Hanukkah, but nutritionally they offer little cause for celebration. Classic versions of these savory potato pancakes usually are fried in as much as a cup of oil, a reference to the oil that kept the eternal flame burning in the temple of Jerusalem. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Holiday services set Nov 26, 2008
Dec. 21 - Hanukkah begins at sundown when first candle is lit. Candles increase each night through Dec. 28. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Sweeping Away the Traditional from the Public Square Nov 26, 2008
Americans roasted ceremonial turkeys by the million on Thanksgiving Day to sustain themselves as they hunt and gather goods to disperse during Hanukkah or on Christmas morning. There will be fewer big-ticket items and more discounted goods given this year, but that's not the difference. (Townhall.com)
Georgians urged to send holiday cards to U.S. troops Nov 26, 2008
Christmas, Hanukkah or nondenominational cards are welcomed and should have a few words of personal appreciation added by the giver, his spokesman said. The cards should be in unsealed envelopes and brought or mailed to one of Price s offices: 3730 Roswell Road, Suite 50, Marietta, GA 30062, or 100 North St., Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Give a gift of hope this holiday season Nov 26, 2008
With Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner, the dire state of the economy has impacted many of us ... Many of us will wake up Christmas morning or during one of the eight days of Hanukkah and find that a pair of earrings, tickets to a ballgame, restaurant gift certificate or Wii game is wrapped up and waiting for us. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Hanukkah pets Nov 26, 2008
Send us your Hanukkah pet photos. Have a Jewish pet in your household. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Holiday cards support charities, causes Nov 26, 2008
The American Diabetes Association is offering an extensive catalog of 32 Christmas and Hanukkah cards, plus calendars, soap, candles, clocks and ornaments. Boxed sets of 20 cards range from $11. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Holiday belt-tightening Nov 26, 2008
Add in unrealistic expectations and pressures for the perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, and Harris says it's a recipe for disappointment and depression. She urged families to re-focus their expectations and take a fresh look at what the holidays really mean. (CNN -- Health)
How to Have a Christmas Party or Da... Nov 25, 2008
Blue and white work for Christmas and Hanukkah. How about a charitable theme, having each guest bring a toy or canned food to be donated to those in need. (Suite101.com)
First rule of the holiday season: Lure shoppers into the store Nov 25, 2008
But instead of waiting to see if Santa grants their wishes, local shopping centers and store owners are taking proactive measures to ensure days like Black Friday and the weeks leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah produce the kind of boost they need to what is expected to be a very dismal season. National holiday sales are expected to grow by about 2. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
News from the Jewish Community Center: Nov. 23 online edition Nov 24, 2008
Hanukkah celebration with Rick Recht. The North Shore will celebrates Hanukkah with a dinner and spectacular family concert featuring on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
CPI plans holiday theater event for Dec. 7 Nov 24, 2008
Among the celebration events include performances by the California community ensemble, a traditional Christmas program by the Hispanic community, a reading from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and a presentation on the meaning of Hanukkah. Since seating has not yet been installed, chairs must be borrowed and set up. (California Democrat, MO)
Concert benefits holiday fundraiser Nov 24, 2008
During the concert, the audience was also treated to the debut of the song Hanukkah: Festival of Lights, written and conducted by Dr. Martin David Jones, a music professor at Augusta State University. The Empty Stocking Fund, which has been sponsored annually by The Augusta Chronicle since 1930, provides food and clothing for needy families in the Augusta area. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Singing their praises (VIDEO) Nov 24, 2008
On Friday mornings in teacher Donna Robb's class, this year's chorus -- a mix of about 60 fourth- and fifth-graders -- practices its medley of holiday, Hanukkah and patriotic songs for upcoming performances in December. But instead of solely performing for their classmates, these girls and boys take their talent out into the community. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Pop music offerings for holiday entertainment Nov 23, 2008
FOURTH ANNUAL YULE BALL WITH HARRY AND THE POTTERS, DRACO AND THE MALFOYS, THE LEEVEES, AND MORE Muggles are allowed at this Judeo-Christian holiday show with Hanukkah favorites from the LeeVees, whose personnel includes Guster member Adam Gardner. 5 p.m., Dec. 21, $15, Middle East Downstairs, 617-931-2000. (Boston Globe)
A Colbert Christmas: Thank you, Santa! Nov 23, 2008
Even Jon Stewart drops by for a duet about the potato-pancaked joy of Hanukkah. (He also drops a bleeped-out explanation of a tradition that involves a lamb shank. (Entertainment Weekly)
Do-it-yourself holiday garlands in felt save money Nov 23, 2008
Or for Hanukkah, make Stars of David in white felt and shades of blue, hanging the stars from a blue or silver ribbon. Decorate with whatever is on hand: old buttons, rick rack, pompoms, small beads, pipe cleaners, even those foamy shapes that kids love. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Stay out of the red Nov 23, 2008
So as an early Christmas present -- or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa if you prefer -- here are some tips that could make the next few weeks easier on your budgets. Consider LayawaySears has brought it back. (News & Observer)
Holiday cheer is spiked with irony on Colbert special Nov 22, 2008
And Colbert and Jon Stewart perform a hit-or-miss duet about Hanukkah that's mostly miss, as in "Be sure to tell the Pontiff, my people say good Yontif." Oy. By the time it's over, Elvis Costello has done some clowning that may have you wondering, "What's so funny. . .". (Boston Globe)
Camp: Turmoil brings a new wilderness Nov 22, 2008
The faith celebrations of this time of year all bring together change and hope: the light that lasts beyond expectations (Hanukkah), re-dedication to faith and hope (Ramadan), renewing the world (Kwanzaa), and the incarnation of God in the world (Christmas). And, of course, Thanksgiving - beyond hope to gratitude. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Siena poll says holiday spending likely to be down Nov 22, 2008
Kevin Murphy says it will be an odd season because Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall later on the calendar this year, but he is hopeful his numbers will be positive. Kevin Murphy: A lot of the holiday shopping is going to be pushed into December. (FOX23 News, NY)
Walks a fine line in visit to Capitol... Nov 21, 2008
" A press aide for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) tried to keep reporters out of the elevator going to the Capitol basement, where underground trams convey Senate workers to and from their office buildings. The reporters jammed in the elevator anyway. The questions segued into a discussion about whether the recount will be done by Christmas or Hanukkah. "I'd really love to be able to roll up my sleeves and get working on all the different problems that are facing the... (The Drudge Report)
Knowing thyself and describing thyself Nov 21, 2008
Shirley McKinnie notes the sign on a San Mateo restaurant: "Chez Nicole, Chinese Food and donuts," and in keeping with this theme, Julie Ann Kodmur forwards notice of Judd's Hill Winery's second annual "Hanukkah Hootenanny," a Dec. 7 fundraiser that includes "wine, latke bar and Jewish surf music.". -- UC Berkeley faculty member and, by his own description, "electronic polymediast" Steve Beck has his "Video Weavings" opening at the Tate Modern in London later this month, and he's giving the... (San Francisco Chronicle)
EXCERPT: Read a passage from 'The Shiksa Syndrome' Nov 20, 2008
If I were more like my cousin Marni, who boasts about exchanging Hanukkah gifts on Christmas because she's such a bad Jew. Perhaps I'd understand if I grew up in some small remote town; in the only Jewish Family for miles on end, total assimilation the key to survival. (USA Today -- Life)
What does 'home for the holidays' mean to you? Nov 20, 2008
The upcoming holidays - from Thanksgiving to Eid al-Adha, to celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe to observance of the Winter Solstice to Hanukkah to Christmas to Boxing Day and Kwanzaa to the New Year - will be a time for many of us to regroup and, in these challenging financial times, more than ever home will be the center of a lot of our activities. On several occasions, Home has printed readers' stories, and we would like to do so again on Dec. 24. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Colbert Spreading Christmas Cheer Nov 19, 2008
Stewart stopped by to suggest that instead of a Christmas special, he could have a Hanukkah special that would last eight days. "I said, I'll keep Jesus, you keep your potato pancakes! It was a close thing for a while there," Colbert said. (CBS News -- Early Show)
SIRIUS XM Radio Announces Holiday Channel Lineup Nov 19, 2008
Radio Hanukkah is back, along with holiday hits sung by Bruce Springsteen, Bing Crosby, Pavarotti, Nat 'King' Cole, to name a few ... Holiday programming will feature a celebration of Hanukkah; classic Bing Crosby Christmas radio specials featuring celebrity guests, including Frank Sinatra; contemporary holiday hits sung by recording artists including Bruce Springsteen; and of course, a non-stop broadcast of holiday music favorites recorded by artists including Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Andy... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Grad day move will curb costs Nov 18, 2008
The most recent Friday ceremony was just two years ago when the fall commencement was switched because the following Saturday conflicted with the beginning of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights. Now, UGA administrators have decided to avoid Saturdays when possible for fall semester graduation exercises. (Athens Banner-Herald)
School Notes 11-18 Nov 18, 2008
The audience will then visit the celebrations of ancient cultures held to commemorate the shortest day of the year and customs associated with our celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah. The program will conclude with a look at the December evening sky with free star maps available. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
How to Find Free Hannah Montana Col... Nov 15, 2008
Guide the kids to create , Hanukkah and Christmas, or make seasonal crafts for winter, fall or spring. There's dozens of free craft project ideas available on ActivityVillage. (Suite101.com)
Fire Dept. suggests holiday gifts Nov 14, 2008
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas from the Burlington Fire Department. Loading commenting interface. (Burlington Union, MA)
Guide to spending the holidays at sea Nov 14, 2008
Instead of shoveling snow on Christmas, entertaining the in-laws at Hanukkah or unsuccessfully looking for a party on New Year's, you could be drinking eggnog poolside; singing carols on deck, while overlooking the sea; eating multi-course holiday meals, prepared by professional chefs and enjoying New Year's Eve with enthusiasm (and with no worries about driving home). That's right. (MSNBC -- Politics)
How to Find Free Holiday Coloring P... Nov 14, 2008
How to Find Free Holiday Coloring Pages for Kids: Websites with Free Printable Hanukkah and Christmas Coloring Sheets ... Websites with Free Printable Hanukkah and Christmas Coloring Sheets ... There's no need to buy a coloring book when there's lots of free printable coloring pages for Christmas, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving available on the web. (Suite101.com)
Onboard holiday festivities Nov 14, 2008
What to expect for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's ... There's merriment for all ages, whether you relish a visit from Santa, choose to ring in the New Year with some top-notch bubbly, crave a turkey and cranberry sauce dinner just like Grandma's, or celebrate by lighting a Hanukkah menorah (or all of the above) ... We were particularly interested in Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's. (MSNBC -- Travel)
TEMPO: Jewels of Joy: Sparkle and glitter anticipated at fundraiser Nov 14, 2008
Thus this more modest party evolved to inaugurate the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons. We still need to raise funds for the symphony to complete its season this year as always, said Bowmaster. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
A.B. Yehoshua's 'Friendly Fire' Nov 14, 2008
Highly interdependent co-rulers of a small, respectable and well-regulated world of friends, children and grandchildren, Amotz and Daniela are rarely apart (this also describes Yehoshua's own marriage), so the week of disruption to their routine over the Hanukkah holiday feels full of foreboding and significance ... When she takes out a box of Hanukkah candles so they can light them together, he throws them in the furnace and says he has no interest in the Jewish calendar. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Retailers Sales Slide Nov 13, 2008
That doesn't mean the economic Grinch will steal Christmas and Hanukkah, only that shoppers will be more careful with their dollars. "From the consumer's perspective, they're going to see it as opportunity. They're going to be hoping lack of sales will generate further discounts," said Janet Hoffman, managing partner with Accenture's global retail practice, adding that it will take markdowns of at least 25 percent, preferably higher, to attract attention. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Dover-Sherborn Religion Notes (Nov. 13) Nov 13, 2008
Please join Needham Hadassah for a Hanukkah Craft Event at The Kid s Place on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 4-5:30 p.m. Come make a menorah, a latke plate or gifts for your family and friends. Items will be fired and ready in time for Hanukkah. (Dover Sherborn Tab, MA)
Senior Cares: Enjoying the holidays doesnt have to be work Nov 13, 2008
Themes include pumpkins and Thanksgiving pictures, colored leaves, a paper menorah for Hanukkah, or a Christmas wall tree hung with ornaments cut from old holiday cards. Plan for fastenings that won t damage the walls or door, and check ahead for any restrictions. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Singing suppers: The tradition continues Nov 13, 2008
A full-course dinner will be served as the singers offer up a joyous repertoire of carols from the Czech Republic, Korea and Haiti (sung in their original languages); two African-American spirituals; an Appalachian carol; pieces from the Renaissance; an energetic song for Hanukkah; and traditional carols cast in a jazzy setting. Music will be presented around individual tables and in a short concert as well. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Jacksonville Journal Nov 13, 2008
The Times-Union will publish a calendar of events for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the new year. If you have a holiday-related event, fax the information to Cindy Holifield at (904) 359-4478 or e-mail cindy. (Florida Times-Union)
Visitors guide Nov 12, 2008
If the visit takes place over Christmas or Hanukkah, make sure you have a gift for your child's friend so she doesn't feel left out of the festivities. Something along the lines of a book, gloves, scarf or picture frame would be appropriate. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
What are we celebrating? Nov 10, 2008
Jewish heritage celebrates Hanukkah (Hebrew: , alt. Chanukah), also known as the Festival of Lights. Are you going to tell those people that there faith are not important. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)