Playing the dreidel game and collecting as much chocolate gelt as possible is a timeless Hanukkah tradition. Now that your kids have made their own dreidels, it's time for them to make their own gelt! (And not because you ate all the chocolate coins you bought last week. Oh, no, that is NOT the reason…)

Fortunately, this type of gelt will not require you to find specialty chocolate molds or figure out if you can get away with microwaving chocolate instead of melting it over the double boiler (who does that, anyway?).

MORE: Our favorite Hanukkah picture books

All kids look forward to receiving foil-wrapped chocolate gelt, but making paper coins is a fun and creative activity that uses way less sugar! Plus, if you are having a family gathering, making paper gelt is a fun Hanukkah party activity

Materials

You only need a few items, which you likely already have!

• Yellow, or golden-colored paper
• Markers, crayons or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Glue or glue stick (optional)
• Foil (optional)
• Stickers (optional)

Instructions

Making paper gelt is very easy. First cut out circles from yellow paper, in various sizes to make the coins. Depending on the age of the child, an adult may need to help with this step.

Next, the kids decorate the coins with markers, crayons, colored pencils. We also like to cut foil and glue it onto the paper coins. Kids can also use stickers for decorations.

How to Use

Once kids have decided they've made enough paper coins, divide the coins up and use them to play the dreidel game. Sure, some kids have probably made more coins than others and may balk at having to share, but a little reminder that the coins get redistributed during the game will be all you need to calm them down.

You can use them in conjunction with chocolate gelt, or on their own. Let me tell you, trying to win large piles of these paper coins can actually be pretty motivating!

Tip

The coins are also a fun touch to add to Hanukkah cards. Set out the paper coins with glue and paper, and the kids have a simple Hanukkah card for the grandparents!

For another fun Hanukkah craft, check out our LEGO menorah, an easy, fire-free way for little kids to participate with lighting the candles on Hanukkah.

See more super duper easy Hanukkah crafts for kids!

Idea and photos from Carolyn, formerly of the blog, The Pleasantest Thing.

The post Easy Hanukkah Paper Craft: Make Your Own Gelt! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

But you don't need to be an interfaith family to enjoy this book list! Along with our favorite Hanukkah books, and multicultural Christmas books, these titles can be enjoyed by kids and families of any faith.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Books about Interfaith Families

You don't need to be part of an multicultural and interfaith family to appreciate these books as long as you remember: Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas!

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this cheerful story, a young girl describes her family's unique traditions like caroling to the neighbors, telling stories about both the Maccabees and the manger, and making latkes to leave for Santa. Family members from both sides come together for one large celebrations than having separate events for each holiday. There is also a recipe for Cranberry Kugel stuffing: the ultimate interfaith side dish!

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As Trisha prepares for Hanukkah with her family she learns that the neighboring Christian families are affected by a scarlet fever epidemic. Unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations while their neighbors are suffering, Trisha’s family work together to help them. A wonderful, positive story about finding joy in giving to others.

The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Lisa Brown

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Tongue-in-cheek humor and an anthropomorphic potato pancake make this hilarious book one of my holiday favorites. After escaping from a hot frying pan, a Hanukkah latke runs through a forest encountering various Christmas icons like candy canes and holiday lights. Each one tries to convince him that Hanukkah is “just like Christmas, only different.” Eventually the frustrated latke finds his place with an understanding Jewish family. Unfortunately, they are just sitting down to dinner...

Light The Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas by Margaret Moorman

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

For those looking for a secular exploration of the two holiday traditions, this book fits the bill. In a simple story, a girl describes how her family prepares for the two holidays.

My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack, illustrated by Phyllis Harris

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

At school, Sammy worries that his friends won’t understand his interfaith family. Although it is hard to imagine anyone being embarrassed about celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah, this is a nice, short story for teaching kids about the joys of practicing multiple religious traditions.

My Two Grandmothers by Effin Older, illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Grammy Lane lives in the country, Bubbe Silver lives in the city. Their granddaughter loves both of them and their respective traditions but this year she decides it’s time to bring everyone together.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a beautiful and moving story about religious tolerance. An African-American barber gives a Jewish boy a carved wooden angel. Michael worries that he will offend his parents and God if he keeps it. When he tells his parents of Elijah’s gift they share with him the joy of having friendships that transcend religious boundaries. The illustrations are gorgeous. Due to some sensitive subject matter, I recommend this book for ages 7+.

Eight Candles and a Tree by Simone Bloom Nathan

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Sophie tells her friend Tommy about how her family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. In doing so, they learn the most important thing about the holidays is spending time with family.

Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise by Karen Fisman, illustrated by Martha Graciela Avilés

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Rachel is headed to Italy to visit her grandmother. She worries that she will miss Hanukkah and takes along her menorah. When she forgets her menorah on the airplane, her non-Jewish grandmother steps in to save the day.

December's Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith-Santos and Stasie Bitton, illustrated by Sandra Salsbury

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Clara spends December with her two grandmothers, baking Christmas cookies with one and frying latkes with the other. Like most of the books on this list, the overriding lesson is that holidays are about family above all.

MORE: Want more holiday picture books? Try one of these Multicultural Winter Holiday Picture Books.

Books about Community Hanukkah and Christmas Celebrations

The following books are not about interfaith families per se, but about the co-existence of Hanukkah and Christmas. Also check out our favorite winter picture books.

Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This picture book is based on a 1993 incident in Billings, Montana. In a neighborhood adorned with red and green lights, one house stands out with its blue and white lights. Isaac's family celebrates Hanukkah and his friend, Teresa, who lives across the street celebrates Christmas. After Isaac's house is targeted in an anti-semitic attack, Isaac's family continues to light the menorah rather than hide. In solidarity, Teresa draws a menorah and places it in her window. The paper menorah becomes a catalyst for community solidarity. Includes author's note about the real life events.

MORE: Picture books about standing up for others

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Think of this as a pourquoi tale for Hanukkah gifts! Nate Godol is a spirit who uses his magic to make things "last as long as they needed to." He loves bringing small joys to others as well as solving larger problems. In 1881, Nate Gadol watches the immigrant Glaser family suffer through a cold and hungry winter. But then he meets his old friend, Nick, whom he knew from "way, way back." Nick is having trouble with his sleigh and the two realize that if they help each other, they can bring joy to all families.

The Christmas Mitzvah by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Mitzvah is the Hebrew word for a good deed that is done to fulfill a commandment from God. In this inspiring story, Al Rosen, a Jewish man, performs mitzvahs for his neighbors every Christmas by working their shifts so they can celebrate their Christmas holidays at home. The neighbors return the favor on the Jewish High Holidays of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Gottesfeld based his story on the real-life Al Rosen who performed the mitzvahs for many years, beginning in 1969. Includes author's note. Ages 5 and up.

Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Goldman's story about two bears is a retelling of O. Henry's short story, "The Gift of the Magi." Boris, who celebrates Hanukkah and is from Russia, and Stella, who celebrates Christmas and is from Italy are neighbors and friends. Each wants to get the other a special holiday gift, but both have limited funds. This is a sweet story about two individuals who seek to show kindness to each other.

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet and Andrea Troyer, illustrated by Christine Davenier

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Rachel is Jewish but she really wants to celebrate Christmas like her classmates so she secretly writes a letter to Santa. Santa doesn't visit, however. When Rachel's family has their Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant, she finds other families that also don't celebrate Christmas.

The Only One Club by Jane Naliboff, illustrated by Jeff Hopkins

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Jennifer is the only Jewish member of her school class. When her classmates want to join her "only one" club, everyone discovers their individuality.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy arrives in New York after living through Kristallnacht. It is the 7th night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve and he must walk 100 blocks to find his aunt. Along the way he sees the holiday sights of the city, encounters people who show him kindness, and passes landmarks which inspire him to reflect on his circumstances.

Don't miss our printable interfaith ornament!

The post Holiday Picture Books about Interfaith Families (Hanukkah and Christmas) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This selection of Hanukkah books includes the traditional story of the Maccabees, as well as some fanciful tales. Many of the titles reflect diverse Jewish communities and the different ways Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah. So gather around the menorah, fry us the latkes, eat those sufganiyah and spin the dreidel!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Hanukkah Picture Books

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Your favorite family is back in this picture book based on Sidney Taylor's beloved novels. In this short story, the girls and their mother cook up a batch of latkes. Four-year-old Gertie desperately wants to help but when she throws a fit, mother sends Gertie to her room. When Papa comes home, he uses his fatherly love to tempt her out from her hiding spot and the whole family gather around to light the menorah. This picture book is a wonderful addition to your eight days of reading.

Hanukkah Upside Down by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here in the northern hemisphere we associate Hanukkah with wintery scenes. But children in New Zealand experience the holiday differently, as this picture book reminds us. Cousins Nora and Noah decide to have a contest to see which Hanukkah is better, the winter one or the summer one. A delightful and humorous story that compares and contrasts Hanukkah traditions.

Eight Nights of Lights: A Celebration of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Hilli Kushnir

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this cute, interactive book, readers read a story over the course of the eight days of Hanukkah. When opened, the book reveals a menorah in which each of the candles is actually a mini book that readers remove and read. The mini books tell a story of a girl decorating and celebrating Hanukkah, while also teaching about the meaning behind the holiday. After reading the mini book, readers flip it over and reinsert it to create a "lit" candle.

The Mexican Dreidel by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Ilan Stavans, illustrated by Maria Mola

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

It's so important to read books that reflect how diverse the Jewish community actually is! Danielito goes to visit Bobe, where the kids are playing with trompos (Mexican tops). Danielito joins in with his dreidel. Afterward, he invites them to join in his family's Janucá celebrations where they eat latkes and buñuelos, light the candles and play dreidel.

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Think of this as a pourquoi tale for Hanukkah gifts! Nate Godol is a spirit who uses his magic to make things "last as long as they needed to." He loves bringing small joys to others as well as solving larger problems. In 1881, Nate Gadol watches the immigrant Glaser family suffer through a cold and hungry winter. But then he meets his old friend, Nick, whom he knew from "way, way back." Nick is having trouble with his sleigh and the two realize that if they help each other, they can bring joy to all families.

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Shahar Kober

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this charming and utterly heartwarming story, siblings Max and Rachel are excited to celebrate Hanukkah. Their family is still unpacking from a recent move and they can't locate their traditional holiday supplies. With some help from a diverse group of neighbors, the family celebrates and when the eight nights are over, the children decide to have a "ninth night" to thank the neighbors.

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A “dastardly dragon named Dreadful,” is interfering with the kingdom's Hanukkah festivities, so eight diverse knights set out put things right. They help prepare new sufganiyot, replace ruined dreidels, clean the castle and perform mitzvah. But there is a surprise waiting for them because the dragon is not all that it seems. This is truly a fun and unique Hanukkah story you won't want to miss!

Hanukkah in Little Havana by Julie Anna Blank, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here's something I learned in the last few years from reading children's books: there is a significant Jewish diaspora in Cuba, resulting from the influx of refugees from Europe during WW2. Blank's book takes place in Miami, and calls attention to the Cuban Jewish population there. The young narrator describes a family road trip from Maryland to Florida where the family spend the holiday with their grandparents. Hanukkah in Little Havana means celebrating with oranges, beach time, and traditional cooking. Lots of fun.

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Kris Easler

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The Menashe family is looking forward to their traditional Hanukkah celebration, as well as the yummy meal of latkes and applesauce. But there's a problem! A snowstorm has prevented the harvest of apples and potatoes. Nevertheless, the family moves forward with lighting the menorah, and playing dreidel. Each night the family counts their blessings and hopes for a change in their fortune. Little do they know, two helpful animals will bring forth a small miracle. Delightful.

Light the Menorah! A Hanukkah Handbook by Jacqueline Jules

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

I love this Hanukkah book so much! Following a short introduction and the candle blessing, Jules offers up a short poem and a reflection to read aloud for each night of Hanukkah. The readings teach about the rituals of the holiday and connect them to wider tenets shared by many faiths, such as the virtues of kindness and tolerance. The book also includes the Hanukkah story, crafts and recipes. A wonderful book for families to read and share together.

MORE: Most winter holidays are in some way a celebration of light. You can expand your child's understanding by reading the titles on our diverse winter holiday book list.

Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah in Chelm by Linda Glaser

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

My kids and I love stories of Chelm! In Jewish folklore, Chelm is the village of fools and tales from Chelm are inevitably silly and giggle-inducing. This Hanukkah, Faigel has forgotten how to make latkes so he asks the rabbi how many potatoes, eggs, etc. she needs. He tells her "All of them." She follows his instructions and ends up with oh-so-many latkes! Obviously there is only one solution–and it is a delicious one!

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a delightful book for preschoolers. The elderly, sight-impaired Bubba Brayna is getting her home ready for the holiday. When a great big bear knocks on her door, she assumes it is the rabbi and invites him into her home. She and the bear celebrate with latkes, a dreidel game and lighting the menorah. After the bear leaves, human guests arrive and the children recognize bear tracks. The mistake is revealed and everyone has a good chuckle.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy arrives in New York after living through Kristallnacht. It is the 7th night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve and he must walk 100 blocks to find his aunt. Along the way he sees the holiday sights of the city, encounters people who show him kindness, and passes landmarks which inspire him to reflect on his circumstances.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a must-read classic Hanukkah picture book! On the first night of Hanukkah, Hershel, a traditional Jewish folk hero and trickster, arrives at a village and finds goblins wrecking havoc and preventing the villagers from celebrating and lighting the candles. Hershel uses clever tricks to defeat the creepy goblins one by one. It's a lengthy read but kids will be riveted.

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I love this book as a way to introduce children to Latin-Jewish culture. Isabel goes to her Aunt Louisa's house to celebrate Hanukkah. Isabel's father tells her that they will celebrate the "Hanukkah moon" at her aunt's house, who has recently immigrated from Mexico. Isabel learns about Sephardic Hanukkah traditions, as well as breaking a dreidel piñata and going out into the night to welcome the “la luna nueve.”

Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Readers outside Alaska will be fascinated with some of the unique aspects of life in the northern most state, like having to watch out for moose in the backyard, or dealing with extremely short daylight hours. The moose is a constant presence throughout the story, even watching the family through the window as they light the menorah! On on Hanukkah night, the family bundles up and heads outside (moose still in the backyard!) to watch the showy aurora borealis, their own Alaskan "festival of lights."

MORE: Picture books about the northern lights

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is another great book to show that there are many ways to celebrate Hanukkah and while most blended-family holiday books focus on Hanukkah-Christmas families, Ehrenberg shares a lively story of how a diverse family shares in their non-Jewish heritage during Hanukkah. In his Jewish-Indian family, a boy looks forward to making their family's dosas (an Indian dish) at Hanukkah but he is wary of letting his little sister help.  But he finally learns the trick when he invents a new version of the "dreidel song."

Jeremy's Dreidel by Ellie Gellman

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

At the Jewish community center, Jeremy and his friends learn about the lessons of Hanukkah and the game of dreidel. All the children bring their own supplies to create one-of-a-kind dreidels. Jeremy creates his own special top out of clay and presses the Hebrew letters in braille. Jeremy explains that his father is blind and the raised letters will allow him to read the dreidel with his hands.

MORE: Hanukkah books for blended families: Interfaith holiday picture books (Hanukkah-Christmas)

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a cute Hanukkah-themed adaptation of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale.  Little Red Ruthie is on her way to Basha’s for latkes when she meets the wolf. Actually, she walks right into the wolf's mouth! Summoning up the bravery of the Maccabees, she convinces the wolf to let her go, promising to be much tastier and plumper after filling herself with latkes. At Bubbe's, Ruthie fries up the tasty pancakes and regales the wolf-dressed-as-Bubbe with the story of Hanukkah, thus distracting him from his original goal. A very cute story.

Hanukkah: A Counting Book In English - Hebrew - Yiddish by Emily Sper

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I adore this counting book. Colorful candles appear one by one with die-cut pages. Each page spread gives the English, Hebrew and Yiddish translations of the number plus the object (e.g. one menorah, four dreidels, etc.).  A simple explanation of the holiday can be found at the end. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, but fun for older kids to practice the translations, too. For reasons I cannot begin to fathom, this book is out of print. However, it should be available at your library.

MORE: Book list of Jewish folktales for children

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This book is exactly what the title says. Adler’s text gives a clear and straightforward account of the miracle in the Temple of Jerusalem. After the account of the historical story of the Maccabees, Adler ends with a brief look at how Hanukkah is celebrated today. This is a great book to read to introduce kids to the holiday.

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Karla Gudeon

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a fun take on telling the story of Hanukkah. Each night of the festival of lights gets its own short poem. The pages are stepped for each day which gives the book an interactive element. I love the illustrations which take the readers on a whirlwind tour while at the same time teaching us about the eight day celebration.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a beautiful and moving story about religious tolerance. An African-American barber gives a Jewish boy a carved wooden angel. Michael worries that he will offend his parents and God if he keeps it. When he tells his parents of Elijah’s gift they share with him the joy of having friendships that transcend religious boundaries. The illustrations are gorgeous. Due to some sensitive subject matter, I recommend this book for ages 7+.

The post Hanukkah Children's Books to Make You Believe in Miracles appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Sitting down with kids to make dreidels or menorahs is a nice opportunity to slow down during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Kids will love to see their homemade Star of David and other handiwork decorating the windows, and little ones will cherish the opportunity to "light" their own flameless menorah.

Peruse the dreidel, menorah and Star of David crafts below and pick out the craft ideas that are perfect for your family Hanukkah celebration.

Dreidel Crafts

When you're thinking about what simple Hanukkah crafts you want to make, you've got to include at least one dreidel craft!

Don't already have a million dreidels? Or, even if you do, we made this easy dreidel craft that will get you singing the dreidel song in no time. All you need is a square piece of cardboard and a pencil! And yes, it totally works.

Kids love to win chocolate and coins when they play the dreidel game. However, if they've managed to eat all the chocolate, have them make their own gelt! Get the details for making your own gelt here on our blog.

You may not be able to spin these dancing dreidel characters but they are adorable!! The little dreidel people can move their legs like puppets with the help of a few well-placed brads.(via Creative Jewish Mom)

Paper chains and paper dolls are both popular, classic crafts. For Hanukkah, blend the two ideas to make these dreidel paper doll garlands out of recycled paper. So cute! (via Bringing Chesed Home)

Speaking of recycled paper, when you have a plethora of child-made art that you don't know what to do with, upcycle it into this gorgeous dreidel wall art. (via Meri Cherry)

Menorah Crafts

We found some of the easiest and best menorah crafts that don't involve real flames. They are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to "light" so little ones don't feel left out.

What's more fun that building with LEGO? Kids can practice their engineering and invention skills using block they already have, and make this LEGO menorah.

A clothespin and paper plate menorah craft is going to need to be totally flameless! Putting it together and "lighting" it will even help kids practice their fine motor skills. (via Happy Hooligans)

Obviously we here at What Do We Do All Day? think the best part of Hanukkah is reading Hanukkah picture books. After you've read the classic, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel, get inspired to make this delightful Menorah window. All you'll need is some construction paper and a glue stick! (via Three Dinosaurs)

MORE: Our favorite Hanukkah books

Traditionally, we light the menorah at sunset, but don't let the daylight hours prevent you from basking in candle light. Make a stained glass menorah out of tissue paper or cellophane that you light up with sunshine.(via Upper West Side Mom)

This LEGO mini figure menorah is truly hilarious (via Bible Belt Balabusta)

Star of David Crafts

Festoon your home with charming Star of Davids, crafted by your kids!

Introduce math art into your holiday preparations with Star of David tessellations.

You should absolutely make this easy and pretty Star of David suncatcher. (via Nurture Store.)

I adore this spinning Star of David mobile made from three differently-sized cut outs. Don't worry about getting your measurements exactly right, because NurtureStore has a free, printable template!

Who can resist this classic Star of David craft using popsicle sticks (via Happy Hooligans)

Tweens will have great fun crafting these origami Star of Davids that only take 3 minutes to make! (via Creative Jewish Mom)

However you celebrate, make sure you find time for these very easy Hanukkah crafts!

The post Easy Hanukkah Crafts for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I have seen toddler and preschool menorahs in which the flame is made out of paper, but of course my instinct was not to make a craft, but something super easy and something that we would not have to store for the rest of the year. A LEGO® menorah was the perfect solution.

What could be better? A LEGO® menorah is fun to build, it is totally safe, you can play with it, and best of all, you disassemble it at the end of the eighth day. How miraculous.

Do I need to give instructions for how to make this LEGO® menorah? I think not. Just have your kids rustle around in their brick bucket and come up with their own design!

We used what we LEGO® we already had, which is why there are flames made out of different kinds of bricks. No expensive kits to buy, no specialty items to hunt down. It was glorious.

My older son especially enjoyed putting this together, while his younger brother has been spending time playing with the minifigure and we even made him an oversized match so he could light the shamash with no trouble at all.

I'm definitely adding this DIY Hanukkah menorah to our list of super duper easy Hanukkah crafts! What kinds of menorahs are your kids making?

Happy Hanukkah/Chanukah/Hanukah!

The post LEGO Menorah: Have a Creative and Flameless Hanukkah appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

As I did with our heart tessellations project, I'll share multiple ways to tessellate with a single 6 pointed star shape. Plus: these star tessellation ideas are surprisingly adaptable as holiday math art projects! Check out the final photos for holiday ideas.

Don't miss our newest math art idea: adorable cat tessellations!

Read on for the full instructions to learn how to make a perfect six pointed star for star and hexagon or star and diamond tessellation drawings.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

How to Make a 6 Pointed Star

Since the first thing you need is a 6 pointed star, let's start with that shall we?

Gather your materials:

• Paper. I recommend a heavy paper that is still easy to cut with precision.
• Compass, like this one
• Pencil
• Ruler or other straight edge
• Eraser (always handy)

Instructions:

1. Draw a circle. Using your compass, draw a circle of any size you wish.

2. Mark the perimeter. Without changing the width of your compass, place the sharp end of the compass at any point on the circle. As if you are going to draw another circle, mark with a slash the point where the new circle would intersect the existing one.

3. Mark 6 points on the perimeter. Continuing around the circle, move the sharp end of the compass to point where the slash meets the circle and repeat step 2 until you have a total of 6 slashes.

4. Form the triangles. Using your ruler, connect every other point on the circle. This will create two overlapping equilateral triangles.

5. Cut out your star. Carefully cut out your new 6 pointed star. Because this shape will form the basis of your tessellating stars you want to be as precise and careful as possible.

Now you are ready to tessellate! Watch the video to see how it is done, or follow the written instructions directly below it!

How to Make Star Tessellations

What you need:

• 6-point star cut out
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Paper. For art journaling, this is my go-to journal. I have filled up so many of them!
• A variety of art supplies (see below)

Here are some of my favorite art supplies I used to make the tessellations in the video and photos you see:

• Pan watercolors
• Pitt Artist pens
• Sharpies
• Sakura fine points
• Colored pencils

Don't want to hide your and your child's gorgeous math art in an art journal. Here are some ideas:

• Frame it!
• Create gorgeous handmade wrapping paper
• Create greeting cards for friends and family
• Turn it into holiday decorations. With just the right colors, tessellating stars are fit for almost any holiday including Christmas and Hanukkah. (see below)

More great math art here:

• Sierpinski fractal pyramid–makes a fun twist on the Christmas tree, too!
• How to draw spirolaterals–and practice multiplication at the same time!
• Make a pi city skyline–celebrate irrational numbers!

Want more STEAM projects? Check out my book!

The post Star Tessellation Math Art Project appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I must confess that there is a certain tune I hum at this time of the year. My husband tells me that the Dreidel Song is the most annoying song in the world and it is always the non-Jews (like me) who sing it as soon as Hanukkah is mentioned.

Well, what can you expect? It's catchy. Despite what my husband says, I encourage you and your kids to sing it while you put together your own dreidels!

Dreidel Craft Instructions:

All you need is a 3 inch square of thin cardboard (reusing a cereal box is perfect). Divide into equal triangles, print the Hebrew letters in the triangles and poke a short pencil through the middle.

I wrote the letters on a piece of paper first so my son could copy them.

That's it! You're done.

Bring on the chocolate gelt! Or, make your own gelt!

We also made a pre-fab version. In general I am not a fan of pre-fab projects, but Kiddo received this dreidel kit as a gift and it has been lurking in the holiday box for years. I guess its time had come.

I was secretly gleeful that the pre-fab didn't work as well and as I had to do most of the work, the cardboard version was the winner.

"...and when it's dry and ready, then Dreidel I will play...." I just can't help it!

Need dreidel game instructions? Find out how to play dreidel here.

MORE: Don't forget to read these favorite Hanukkah books!

See all our Hanukkah ideas here!

The post Super Easy Hanukkah Dreidel Craft for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

 Even if you only celebrate one holiday this season, no one can argue with peace, right?

Print out the pdf (By clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service* see end of post) -->: Interfaith ornament coloring page

Instructions

My son and I had a good time making these ornaments and Melanie has conveniently included instructions right on the coloring page.

After printing and coloring in the ornament, cut it out and glue the two sides together. Use the scissors to poke a hole in the top and slide the ribbon through to create a loop for hanging.

After you've finished be sure to read a few picture books for interfaith families that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Ta da!

About the Illustrator

Melanie loves celebrations of all faiths.

She is also an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Mermaid Parade, Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is, all of which take place in the city!

*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like for personal, library or classroom use. If you would like to share this coloring page, you MUST link to this blog page. It is expressly forbidden to link directly to the coloring page pdf file.

The post Free Interfaith Ornament Coloring Page appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.