How to make a Hanukkah Bush

HANUKKAH BUSH

The holidays can be confusing for children. Some families celebrate Hanukkah and others may celebrate Christmas or Kwanzaa. And some none at all. While Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles for 8 days and Kwanzaa for 7. The Christmas tree always sees to stand out. Most likely because of all the beautiful lights. So, parents have seemed to compromise by allowing a Hanukkah Bush. Some argue that they are too close to a Christmas tree--making the only difference the Star of David on the top.

Explaining to our children the differences that each tradition has while maintaining the pride in their own seems to be the best way to go. After all, we are all giving thanks.

So..... for those who would like to add a Hanukkah Bush to their celebration this year. Below are the steps on how to make one. Happy Hanukkah!! 



1. Choose your bush. You can purchase it from a traditional Christmas tree lot, any garden center or you can cut your own.


2. You can decorate a shrub growing in your front yard or use your potted plant for the holiday season.


3. Drape the tree with strings of lights in either white, or blue and white, the traditional Hanukkah colors.


4. Place ornaments of your choice on the branches: maybe miniature menorahs and oil lamps; dreidels made of paper, wood or lightweight clay; stars of David or animals from Noah's ark.


5. Place a large star of David on top of the bush.