Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel...

I've never focused on Hanukkah in the past. This was a good excuse to make some latkes and light some candles, mostly when I didn't forget to (which was every couple of days). Probably nothing to brag about but when you don't really grow up with it, it's hard to make this a natural part of life.

Having your own children changes one's perspective a little. Even though religion has never been part of our lives, I'd like them to have some basic knowledge of the cultural aspect of our background. Plus, the holiday season is always fun. The more holidays you celebrate the better. When December came around and Christmas became the primary topic of discussion in preschool, I wanted to convey to my son that we don't celebrate Christmas at home. I explained that we celebrate the New Year, with a New Years tree (very similar to Christmas tree but after Christmas, with gift opening on New Years day), and lightly touch upon Hanukkah. My preschooler didn't disagree. He thought about it and asked if he could still celebrate Christmas in preschool. I saw no reason to say "no".

The best way to get into the holiday spirit for a child is to do various craft projects related to said holiday. My little guy gets very enthusiastic at the mention of the word "project".  This year, this chic Mama was ready. I happened to come upon a great little crafting kit at Michaels (no longer available at there unfortunately). Two crafts in one kit. A suncatcher menorah and dreidel to put on the window. The little guy was busy for two evenings for about a half an hour each evening. He was so proud of his creation, he absolutely had to show it off in preschool. Now it's proudly displayed on our window.

Show and Share

I was really surprised to find out how much time commitment preschool requires. I kind of thought, you drop them of, they have a great fun day of playing, learning and making friends, and then you take them home. Turns out there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities and other activities that just can't be skipped. Otherwise, the only one that suffers is that same sweet kid, who is full of life and excitement about all the little things that seem mundane to us adults, yet are eye opening experiences to him.

With that said, every week is "show and share" day. A theme is selected by the teachers that is in line with the topics covered that month, and each kid has to bring something related to the theme. My child gets very excited about "show and share" day, so I have to make sure he has something to bring. This week the theme is Stars. Of course the homework lies primarily with the parents, to find that item that matches the theme. After going over everything in the house, I realized, that surprisingly, we have nothing with stars, or stars of any kind. As a result, Mommy crafting skills to the rescue. Since I can't do everything for him, I did everything to the point where he can take over. Thankfully, all supplies were on  hand:
-scissors...Check
-construction paper...Check
-origami paper...Check
-popsicle stick...Check
-elmer's glue stick...Check

The result, a future star is born...

All that's left is for him to glue it all together.

Wannabe Crafty Mom

I've never been good at crafting. It was never my thing. Walking into Michael's however, makes everything different.

My mind starts racing. In the baking isle, I want to buy all kinds of cake decorating tools and accessories, even though I don't bake cakes. In the art isle, I can't stop touching the canvases, brushes and paints, while imagining myself painting an elaborate work of art. (Even though I tried and miserably failed, to paint on canvas, when I was a child myself). I am hoping that my child will really enjoy painting on canvas when he is older because I really want to get that easel set the store carries. Way to live vicariously. This goes on and on as I walk through the store. Finally, I realize that I need to get back on track and start focusing on the purpose of my visit. 

For now I've been relatively successful in curbing my urge to buy everything in sight, and stick to the basics.  This snowman craft we put together, satisfied my crafting craving for the time being.