1. Christmas and Hanukkah Daniela, Jenny, Luke, Adam, Eric Pascack Valley High School, Hillsdale, New Jersey, USA Mr. Jasper’s Class

2. Why is Christmas celebrated? Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ who is known as the savior of the Jews according to the Old Testament His parents, Mary and Joseph, were turned down from inns in the town when Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. He was born in a manger in Bethlehem Shepherds and kings followed a bright star in search of the new king and brought him gifts

3. Christmas Traditions A few days before christmas,families decorate a christmas tree with ornaments, tinsel and put a star or angel on the top Candy Canes are a peppermint candy with red and white stripes that are typically given out during christmas

4. Giving and Receiving gifts for Christmas In the month of December, Christians start shopping for gifts for every member of the family. On Christmas Day, all the gifts are open under a Christmas Tree first thing in the morning.

5. Myths for Christmas Santa Claus Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, St. Nicolas and Kris Kringle is a legendary figure that is said to live in the North Pole and bring gifts during the overnight hours of Christmas Eve on December 24 th in a sleigh that flies with reindeer. People believe that he has a magical workshop in the North Pole with little elves that make the toys This myth was created based on the history of St. Nicolas, who was a monk that gave away his inherited wealth and traveled to help the sick and poor. His popularity spread in Europe and was eventually titled protector of the children.

6. Why is Hanukkah celebrated? A long time ago, the Jews fought in a war against the Greeks over the Jew’s land. The Jews were lead by an army called the Maccabees After the war, there was little oil left to light the menorah in their temple which was supposed to burn every night The Jews thought that the oil would only last for 1 day but instead it lasted for 8 whole nights

7. To celebrate Hanukkah, Jews light a menorah or hanukiah which has 9 branches. Prayers are said before the menorah is lighted You light one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash is lit on each night and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. A dreidel is commonly played with amoung children. A dreidel is a spinning top with Hebrew letters on the sides Hanukkah Traditions

8. Gift giving and receiving is not a traditional part of Hanukkah. Kids are given one present for each night and are the only ones to recieve presents. Kids usually receive “gelt”, which is money, or chocolate gelt for dessert Giving and Receiving gifts for Hanukkah

9. Myths for Hanukkah It is believed that a place to put a menorah is on a windowsill insdie but the best place to put it is outside on the left of the front door Another myth is that Hanukkah is the most important holiday for Jews but it is actually not. Some of the biggest holidays are Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur

10. Holiday Spirit People are in the holiday spirit all through December. Holiday songs are played on the radio Holiday themed shows are on TV such as the classic stories of Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Malls and schools are decorated with Christmas trees and snowflakes Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Frosty the Snowman