Christmas and First Night of Hanukkah

This year's Christmas celebration coincided beautifully with the first night of Hanukkah, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for my family. With both of my sons and Sara busy with their work,  I had the afternoon to myself so I could prepare for everyone's arrival at 4:30. 

I had to be organized with my timing to avoid overcooking the prime rib and ensure my homemade latkes were freshly cooked and crispy when served. The timing was everything!

These are more of my mom's pretty glasses. I've never used these, and there were only five of them for six of us. My husband used a different goblet.

They are so pretty and match exceptionally well with the charger plates. 

Dad gave these glasses to Mom as a gift for Valentine's Day one year!

The Hanukkah table was set up by my husband, featuring his sentimental tallit on the right, crafted by his sisters from their grandmother's petticoat. On the left stood a smaller Hanukkiah from his family. This year, we chose a simpler look, forgoing the usual display of multiple Hanukkiahs.

*A Hanukkiah is the special menorah used during Hanukkah. 

Jesus at the Feast of Dedication

John 10:22-39

In John 10:22-39, we find Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, known today as Hanukkah. This passage indicates that Jesus was present in the temple during this festival, suggesting He observed it.  Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah.

His presence there also shows His engagement with His Jewish customs and traditions. During this time, Jesus used the opportunity to teach about His identity and relationship with the Father, emphasizing His role as their Jewish Messiah and the unity He shares with God (John 10:30) and Preaching to His fellow Jews that only His remnant would truly understand. 

This passage shows Jesus' connection to His Jewish culture and His fulfillment of the promises and prophecies found in the Torah/Tanakh. (OT)  His mission is to reveal Himself as the true Shepherd who gives eternal life to His followers (John 10:27-28).

My husband peeled the potatoes and then put them in cold water before putting them in the fridge. Now it’s my turn to grate the potatoes and onions, and I can't wait to get started!

It may be a bit of a messy and oily task, but it's definitely worth it in the end! I had two cast iron skillets sizzling away, and the heat was intense! We can’t help but laugh - it's not Hanukkah without the smoke alarm going off at least once!  The air was filled with the unmistakable aroma of potatoes and onions.

After frying these, I took on the aroma of a potato latke myself!

Eau du Potato Latke

Everyone arrived, but then came my little prime rib drama! 

As I triumphantly pulled the roast from the oven, I was met with a shocking surprise - the meat temperature read a mere 91 degrees! My sons crave their prime rib rare, but that was pushing it a bit too far! It dawned on me that my oven might be playing tricks on me, needing either a serious recalibration or a trusty thermometer for some oven monitoring. It wasn't even sizzling! 

So, there we were - 

We decided to open our gifts first!

 Usually, we do it after dinner. 

All day, Laydee reveled in the excitement, like a child - with presents waiting for her beneath the tree and in her stocking. When the moment finally arrived, she sprang into action, tearing open her own gifts with delight and eagerly helping Susie unwrap hers too.

Meanwhile, Susie in all her regal splendor, lounged nearby - she wasn’t about to lift a paw to open gifts herself! Cats have staff, you know.  Instead, she observed Laydee’s enthusiastic unwrapping with an air of amused indifference, clearly satisfied with her role as the queen of the household. 

You know how cats are - they’re the masters of disguise when it comes to emotions! But let me tell you, her enthusiasm for those catnip toys was off the charts! While we were peacefully sleeping, she was in a cat-nipped frenzy, darting up and down the hall all night long, pouncing and playing like a wild little kitten.  

Not my photo, but it's from the recipe I used. 

On the 24th, I baked the Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake. Just before serving, I dusted it with freshly grated orange peel, adding slices of juicy oranges, garnished it with mint leaves, and sprinkled it with powdered sugar. 

Served it with a vanilla Greek yogurt. Delicious. 

The prime rib was ready about an hour later and let me tell you, it was absolutely mouthwatering!  The moment it hit the table, everyone dug in, and the meal was filled with delighted exclamations that always warms a Mama's heart! 

“Oh, this is incredible!” 

“It melts in my mouth!” 

 “Mom, thank you! I haven't had prime rib in years!” 

As with every holiday or special occasion, I always find myself eager to return to real life. I remember feeling sad when Christmas ended as a child. However, I eventually learned to cherish the beauty of those Christmas moments while embracing the deeper appreciation I now have for my everyday life.

Now, I look forward to the New Year. 

That's it for me. 

Debby