Starting at sundown Dec. 2, Jews around the world will celebrate the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, for eight nights. While there are many ways to celebrate Hanukkah, including lighting the menorah, singing traditional songs and eating foods such as doughnuts and latkes, one tradition that has become increasingly tied to Hanukkah is gift-giving.

The Hanukkah tradition stems from the second century BCE when the Jewish Macabees defended the Temple against the much-larger Greek army.  When the Macabees went to light the temple menorah, there was only enough oil for the candles to burn for one night.  During what is now called the Hanukkah miracle, the candles burned for eight nights.  

So why gifts?  According to the Chabad website, gift giving at Hanukkah is largely a response to the commercialization of other winter holidays, specifically Christmas.  However, the tradition of gift giving is not entirely without roots in the festival.  Historically, children are given Hanukkah gelt in hopes that they will use the coins to perform the mitzvah of giving tzedakah.  Today, gelt has been mostly relegated to the chocolate variety and youngsters of all ages expect material gifts.

Jewish teenager Sarah Pernik, a freshman at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, is eagerly awaiting the holiday. “Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays because you can be together with your family and friends. I also enjoy getting and giving gifts,” she said.

A ring with a Star of David on it came to her mind when thinking about her favorite Hanukkah gifts.“When I saw it in the store,” Sarah said, “I really liked it. [So] when they got it for me, I was surprised and really happy. I wear it almost everyday.”

Gifts that don’t cost a lot but are meaningful are also appreciated. If it’s personal to the recipient of the gift, chances are he or she will hold on to it as a favorite.

“I [once] received a Marilyn Monroe framed poster,” Sarah said. “I have always been a big fan of [her], so it was very thoughtful of my parents. It’s been hanging up in my room ever since I got it years ago.”

She also has some ideas about what she’s hoping to get this year.

“For Hanukkah this year, I hope that I receive a ‘Friends’ hoodie, because I love the show,” said Sarah, referring to the erstwhile TV show. “I also want clothes from DKNY because I really like the brand.”

Another teenager who is excited for Hanukkah is Steven Solomon, a sophomore at Parkway Central High School.

“Hanukkah is a time where you get presents, obviously, but it’s a time where you can get a break from everything,” said Steven. “You can spend time with your friends and family, and it’s fun and meaningful.”

In the past, one of Steven’s favorite gifts has been his phone because of how often it’s needed in his everyday life.

“I got my first phone over Hanukkah a few years ago, and it was a big deal because it meant that my parents trusted me more,” he explained. “Now, I use my phone pretty much every day, for studying, but also for when I’m just sitting on the couch. It’s very important for me in life because I couldn’t communicate without it.”

Another one of his favorite gifts was a simple photo.

“My little sisters gave me a picture frame with us in it. It was a very personalized gift [that] I still have in my room. I think you need a good mix of personalized and expensive gifts, because [although] expensive gifts are cool, personalized gifts give the meaning of Hanukkah.”

Noah Sentnor, a freshman at Parkway North High School, is another teen who excitedly looks forward to Hanukkah. For reasons including tradition and family, he loves the holiday.

“Every year, we go to our relatives’ house [for Hanukkah], and I love spending time with family,” said Noah. “I [also] enjoy getting and giving gifts because it kind of gives a sense of joy, and I love bringing that feeling into someone else’s life.”

Noah, thinking back to his favorite gifts, quickly remembered a more expensive gift, but one that he found sentimental, personal and useful.

“A great gift that I received was a black, leather baseball glove. I use it a lot because I’m playing baseball a lot, about three times a week. It [also] has sentimental value because it came from my grandma.”