Secrets to enjoying the Festival of Lights in your home

Celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the traditional nine-branched menorah and adding some festive touches to your home this year.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miraculous event that occurred when one day's worth of oil kept a menorah lit for eight days during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah's candles represent each succeeding night of Hanukkah's eight-night celebration. Today, tradition merges with modern panache when friends and families gather together to share a meal, visit and enjoy the winter holiday festivities in each others' company. Below are some festive ideas for you and your family this year.

In addition to lit candles on the traditional menorah, the Festival of Lights can be just that: a bright celebration of light that illuminates your home during winter's long, dark nights. You can create inviting displays of tasteful twinkling lights using the traditional Hanukkah colours of blue, white and silver. Place the lights around doorways, across garland-festooned fireplace mantels, around a silver Star of David or nestle them inside a large glass goblet or bowl.

Put candles of varying heights and sizes on a dining or buffet table centrepiece to carry out the blue, white and silver theme. Light the lights, strive for a stress-free holiday and revel in the luminosity of the Hanukkah season.

"A great miracle happened here," are the Hebrew words inscribed on each side of the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top. The Festival of Lights wouldn't be complete without the sight of children spinning dreidels as they play this most-beloved game, which is traditionally played only during the Hanukkah season.

Dreidels of various sizes and colours make attractive table decorations, whether they're simply designed or more ornate. Place dreidels within easy reach on window sills, mantels, bookcases or coffee tables to tempt children or adults to pick one up and start a game during the holiday. Fill a large, clear bowl, brandy snifter or decorative jar with small dreidels for an eye-catching display in your home.

The menorah should be the focal point during the Festival of Lights. Whether it's an heirloom, work of art or modern abstraction, a menorah begins and completes Hanukkah holiday decor. Reflect on the meaning of the Festival of Lights by placing smaller menorahs around your home or giving a single, special menorah a place of honour.