6 tips to help you celebrate Hanukkah safely this year

Hanukkah begins on Dec. 10 and ends on Dec. 18. Although this year it will look different due to the coronavirus pandemic, we can still celebrate the festival of lights safely.

News 12 Staff

Dec 10, 2020, 9:43 AM

Updated 1,397 days ago

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6 tips to help you celebrate Hanukkah safely this year
Hanukkah begins on Dec. 10 and ends on Dec. 18. Although this year it will look different due to the coronavirus pandemic, we can still celebrate the festival of lights safely. 
Below are a few safety tips to help you celebrate:

1. Limit the guest list

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that celebrating the holidays virtually or with members of your own household, who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, poses the lowest risk for spread of the virus. 

2. Go outdoors

If you still plan to get together with loved ones, keep the Hanukkah gatherings outdoors and brief. Wear a mask, stay six feet apart, and wash your hands often. See more information from the CDC here.

3. Go all virtual

Host a virtual meal with friends and family who don’t live with you. Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually. Have people share recipes and show the dishes they prepared.

4. Share food

Prepare classic Hanukkah dishes like latkes, brisket, kugel, and matzo ball soup, or traditional treats like rugelach, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), or a little gelt, and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch). 

5. Fire safety

Place your menorah on a sturdy, non-flammable surface. Keep the menorah and matches out of children’s and pets' reach. Never leave a lit menorah unattended. Use only non-flammable menorahs. Don’t walk around with lit candles. Use non-flammable decorations. See more fire safety tips here.

6. What about the gifts?

Your family and friends will love this tip - pick quarantine-friendly gifts! Socks, warm blankets, books, fun games, or mugs are all gifts that can make your time at home this winter more cozy and comfortable. Deliver them in a way that does not involve contact with others.
Here are some more tips from the CDC to celebrate the holidays and small gatherings.