The Magic of December: Traditions, Lights & Joy
December 12, 2025 2025-12-20 23:06The Magic of December: Traditions, Lights & Joy
Made by Anaiya Patel
December marks the final stretch of the year, a time when students eagerly count down the days to winter break. After enduring the stress of midterms and the chill of the season, exhaustion sets in, making the promise of holidays and rest even sweeter. The month carries a mix of relief and anticipation—relief that the academic grind is almost over and excitement for festive celebrations and time away from school. For many, December feels like crossing the finish line after a long race.
Hanukkah a December holiday celebrated by Jews 14 through 22nd cherish the miracle of light. Hanukkah lasts for a total of 8 nights as referenced and emulated from the time when Egyptians stormed the Jewish temple and destroyed everything believing there wasn’t enough oil to light the menorah for even 1 day. It was then proven that the oil lasted for 8 days just like the number of days celebrated in Hanukkah.
Mrs. Restler a Chemistry teacher at IA says, “ For Hanukkah me and family eat potato pancakes called latkes that is cooked with egg and flour. We sometimes eat it with apple sauce and sour cream. We also eat these special fried donuts and chocolate coins.” During Hanukkah people play a game using something known as a dreidel. A dreidel is a small four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. This is where the chocolate coins comes in. In this game you try to win chocolate coins, and you keep playing until one person has none. Each letter stands for something if you land on Gomel then you receive all the chocolate coins. If you get Hay then you get half, Nuns means nothing, and then Shin is where you give one chocolate coin back.
During Hanukkah Jews light a special candle called a menorah. There are a total of 9 candles placed upon the menorah. Every night you’re supposed to light one candle. The middle candle which is used to light all the other candles is called the Shamash. The Shamash is lit and then used to light the first candle. After letting it burn through the night, the Shamash is then lit again and used to relight the first candle and then finally moved on to the second candle for the second day and so on. For each night it is tradition to say a prayer.
Mrs. Restler also enjoys exchanging presents with her family and donating to charity. She stated that they have a tradition of opening one present a night, and their main theme for decorations and gift wrapping is blue and white. She also emphasized Hanukkah’s focus on children, since the older family member’s storytelling will keep culture alive.
Another winter holiday celebrated globally is Christmas. Originally a holiday to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but made popular by the gift-giving tradition, Christmas calls for gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and creating memories. People decorate their homes with warmth through Christmas trees adorned with sparkling lights, charming wreaths, and dazzling mistletoes by every doorway. A freshman, Theo Ganesan, says himself that he likes to get together with family and friends and make festive treats, such as gingerbread people and cookies. Beyond the religious aspect, Christmas can be enjoyed by all people since the holiday begins with generosity, hope, and goodwill.
December, the last month of the year, the month that opens new doors, gives people a fresh start and initiates new beginnings. While Hanukkah and Christmas aren’t the only celebrated holidays, many at Innovation Academy celebrate them annually.
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