Hosting a Jewish friend at Christmas (as a non Jewish person)

[christmashelp24]

I hope this is okay to post here!

I am not Jewish, but my husband and I will be hosting our recently separated liberal Jewish friend at Christmas. I have spoken to her and she's happy for there to be Christmas goings on such as decorations and food and music etc, her partner is not Jewish and that's how they've usually done things at Christmas.

As Hanukkah falls on the same dates I want to honour her Judaism in some way and ensure she doesn't feel like her faith has been forgotten about, particularly as she's had a tough enough year as it is.

What are some ways I could do this, either with food or tradition or decor or anything else? I admit to being completely clueless and I am doing a lot of googling but thought I would ask on here too.

That's such a lovely thought. You could give her some chocolate money (Chanukah geld) which is a very traditional and light touch way of observing the festival with her.

If you're into playing games, get some dreidels and play the traditional Hanukkah game.

If you're into cooking, make some latkes. They can be eaten sweet or savoury, as a side dish or on their own as a snack.

And if neither of these appeal - donuts!

These are great- thanks so much.

You could ask her if she would like to bring her Chanuukiah and light Chanukah candles with you, if she will be there when it gets dark?

Gather round her Channukia together (they do a dab little one in a tin I have used before), have a go playing dreidel and eat do nuts.

Its not a major festival where lots of prayers or readings are required, so enjoy it.
I think the fact you are even considering this and trying to incorporate into your celebrations is just lovely and thoughtful.