Feeling out of the holiday spirit....?

Question

I am not feeling very happy about the holidays.

I am jewish, but my family does nothing special for the holidays. We don't decorate, and because we aren't religious, we don't do a proper Chaunaukkah.

What I mean by that is, we don't have a manourah, we don't light 1 candle for 8 nights. We don't get 1 present every night. My family doesn't even gather together every night just for the sake of being together. We have had 1 semi-big dinner, and that is it.

I havn't done any real holiday shopping, I havn't felt that frustrating, yet enjoyable holiday craze, nothing.

As presents for Chaunaukkah I have gotten my room painted, and money from my grandparents. I am very grateful that I got my room painted, and I know it is a privledge, and I should be thankful I have a full stomach and a roof over my head, but this time of year just feels like any ordinary day.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get more into the spirit?

Answer 1

A wonderful way to celebrate in your own way could be volunteering at the local food shelter, or children's hospital. You can share your feelings on your religion and tell others how you feel about Chaunaukkah. You don't have to be with your family to share your word of God! This time of year, no matter what religion you are, you can celebrate what is truly important. Sare it with people who are willing to listen. The food shelters have people that have no one to share their stories with. They would love a friendly face. God bless. Have a wonderful New Year!

Answer 2

Learn about Chanukah. Start by learning basic Judaism and try to get an understanding of how our ancestors felt about Jewish life and belief, the Temple, and their need to have the right to live as Jews. Learn the true history of Chanukah. It is more complex than many people know. Try to understand the desperation, courage, and sacrifice it took for our ancestors to put up this fight. Think about the miracle, was it just about oil in the Temple - was it about how a small, ill-equipped guerilla force could have defeated a large, organized army? How does this affect us?

Maybe next Chanukah, you will light a menorah, and inspire others to ask the same questions you are asking now.

Answer 3

Volunteer for next year. You can go to food banks and help them prepare food boxes for distribution. If you can knit -- do a couple of scarfs for sick children or the elderly. Even go visit because there are plenty of people w/out anyone. Check out the Jewish Senior Centers. Helping others always gets me in the spirit.

Answer 4

I know what oyu mean. I grew up Jewish and sometimes it makes you feel like an outsider. FInd waht you like to do and do that for yourself. But. it would be really good to find out what you migh tbe able to offer others during the season. SHelters and all kinds of places need volunteers. Making yourself useful and seeing the reaction of others is a powerful turnaround.

Answer 5

JusMe has spoken about the real meaning of gift given and
Hanukkah
also, don't wait for your parent to prepare for Hanukkah, you have
a whole year now to learn and even initiate a family celebration
with dinner, gift exchange, Hanukkiah Menorah but most
importantly "Tzedakah"

Answer 6

first of all no family gets together every night of chanukkah
second you spelled chanukkah wrong (there are many spellings butt yours is way off)
third it isnt really a big holiday in judaism
fourth you are not actually supposed to get 8 gifts

maybe for the holiday you should read about the holiday
and learn about what the holiday really is
do you even know the story and the miracles???

Answer 7

how about hosting a chanuka party and inviting everyone to light candles and all (read up on the proper way to light them)
I pity your family because we are religious and chanuka is a beautiful family time

Answer 8

I totally understand you, my family is not religious either, we didn't even had a special dinner, and I feel so left out, lonely. I'm trying to get in the spirit by listening to some nice songs of chrismas, I know it't not my religion, but I'm so bored and the songs aren't bad so... here are a few:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZvuW_uGW074

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KhCLc_SihlE

Answer 9

Everyone said wonderful things to you.

Holidays are in your heart . don't be sad , just try to spread love and cheer to all , and you will feel better .

Try to have a Happy New Year OK.

Answer 10

u could spend the holidays with your friends or go shopping.