So you’ve never heard of Thanksgivukkah? That would be because this is the first Thanksgivukkah ever! November 28, 2013 will be Thanksgiving Day and also the first full day of Hanukkah.
Because Jewish holidays are based on the lunar calendar and the U.S. is on the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun, these holidays don’t normally overlap. As exciting as this all sounds for Jewish Americans, there is a catch. This is the first and last Thanksgivukkah of our lifetime. The next Thanksgivukkah is estimated to return in about 70,000 years. To not miss out on any holiday fun, follow these 10 steps to the best Thanksgivukkah ever!
10. Spread the good word about Thanksgivukkah
It’s a safe assumption that not many people know that Thanksgivukkah even exists. So it becomes the duty of the enlightened to inform all of our friends and family. ReformJudaism.org is glad to help us do that by providing a series of eCards that you can send out. On these eCards you can attach Hanukkah blessings and informative recipes and videos to ensure that your guests are prepared to attend your Thanksgivukkah dinner.
9. Potato Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce
This recipe for potato latkes with cranberry apple sauce will sure make you seem like a Thanksgivukkah pro. It is the perfect blend of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah delicacies that will surely impress.
8. Star of David Pie
Weave your pie crust strategically to add a decorative element to dessert time. Only your more seasoned Thanksgivukkah guests will spot your subtle Star of David design. Bonus points if you find a pie tin in the shape of the Star of David.
7. Pumpkin Dreidels
End dinner with a fun game of dreidel. This year put away the traditional wooden dreidels and buy these festive dreidels here. These would also make great Thanksgivukkah souvenirs.
6. Get crafty with your Yarmulkes
With a few simple supplies, you can give your Yarmulke a pilgrim-style makeover. Either buy a buckle at your local arts and crafts store or even make use of a buckle from a belt that no longer fits after eating all those latkes. Use a bit of glue and voila! You are the very first Thanksgivukkah pilgrim.
5. Get Thanksgivukkah swag for the whole family
ModernTribe, an online Jewish memorabilia store, is the official provider of all kinds of Thanksgivukkah swag, with products ranging from t-shirts to coffee mugs. The suggested purchase to properly observe the holiday is a celebratory t-shirt for each member of the family.
Ten percent of proceeds of these shirts will be donated to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. This is a stylish way to get in the spirit of giving.
4. Use your Tzedakah box as a cornucopia
Bring charity to the center of the dinner table this year. Instead of the cornucopia as the centerpiece, replace that your Tzedakah box. This is a great Thanksgivukkah decoration that accurately captures the spirit of the season. Encourage guests to add money to the box and decide during dinner which charity will receive the earnings.
3. Give gifts to kids in need
Combine the tradition of Hanukkah gifts and the sense of charity of Thanksgiving and donate toys to kids in need. Project Dreidel is a program run by Combined Jewish Philosophies that gives Hanukkah gifts to needy children in the greater Boston area. You can buy a child a toy or simply donate to the organization here.
2. Get a Menurkey
Perfectly capturing the essence of Thanksgivukkah, this ceramic Menurkey will make a great addition to your home this holiday season. The Menurkey was originally thought up by 9 year old Asher Weintraub from New York City. With a little bit of help, he was able to make his idea a reality. These menorah-turkey hybrids are sold here.
1. Last but definitely not least… LEFTOVERS!
After post-Thanksgivukkah shopping, there is nothing more we all want to do but eat leftovers. This year’s leftover turkey sandwich will be taken to the next level. Reminiscent of KFC’s short lived Double Down, this sandwich is not for the faint-hearted. Replace bread with two latkes, and pile on the turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing in between the two fluffy potato pancakes. Then sit back, enjoy the Dreidel Down while reminiscing on the greatest Thanksgivukkah of all time.
Lauren Miller Mineri liked this on Facebook.
Bombshell liked this on Facebook.