Baby’s First Hanukkah: Celebrating Hanukkah with a New Grandchild
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Is this your grandchild’s first Hanukkah celebration? There is something extra special about a baby’s first Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates the miracle of a tiny vial of oil lasting for eight days. After all, a baby is another sort of miracle.
Although your grandbaby may be too small to fully appreciate the festivities, that doesn’t mean you can’t include him or her. Here are some fun ways to mark a grandchild’s first Hanukkah.
A Menorah for Baby
One special way to celebrate baby’s first Hanukkah is to buy a menorah now that you will give to them when they are older—perhaps as a bat or bar mitzvah gift. Make it even more meaningful by writing a letter telling them how glad you are that they joined the family, and what you hope the years to come will bring them. Share stories of your Hanukkah memories when you were growing up.
Of course, you may want to get a menorah that baby can enjoy now. This cute plush menorah has textures and sounds that babies love, and gets high marks from other parents and grandparents.
Your grandchild can enjoy the wooden menorah from Pottery Barn for much longer. The simple wooden candles are a safe way for the youngest children to take part in the festival of lights.
Hanukkah Books for Babies
There are a wide variety of Hanukkah books out there. We look for books with engaging illustrations and stories that hold up to repeated readings. Although there is a Hanukkah book featuring every popular children’s book character, we generally find the quality of these to be subpar. We recommend these books for baby’s first Hanukkah:
Hanukkah Baby will quickly be a favorite book. Part of the Indestructibles series, these pages are designed to hold up being chewed on, pulled at, and generally mishandled. Lightweight and flexible, they are perfect for the car or travel bag.
Baby’s First Hanukkahis a study board book with simple language and real-life photos of the special elements of Hanukkah. Created with small hands in mind, the pages are easy for babies to hold and turn. They’ll love the bright pictures as you introduce them to the symbolism of this special holiday.
Light the Menorah will captivate your grandbaby as the ritual of the candle lighting is explained. Each page has a tab to pull that activates a glowing light on another candle. It’s a fan favorite!
My First Chanukah is a sweet book by beloved children’s author Tomie dePaolo. The simple artwork and easy text make the story a wonderful bedtime read for a child’s first Chanukah.
Goodnight Bubbala is a lively parody heavily sprinkled with Yiddish that celebrates the love of Jewish family. Although it’s not strictly a Hanukkah book, it’s too much fun to leave off our list. It’s an utter delight to read aloud, and will be a family favorite for year. The pictures and words will captivate your grandbaby as you read.
Hanukkah outfits for babies
These “This is how I roll” pajamas are adorable. Some reviewers mention that they run small, so you may want to size up.
These Hanukkah bibs are easy to clean and will protect that darling outfit! Parents love this style for the way it actually protects baby’s clothes and contains the mess of a new eater.
Hanukkah safety
As with any holiday gathering that includes babies or small children, read this post to make sure you are aware of potential safety hazards. From wrapped gifts to visitor’s purses, there are many ways for a baby or toddler to get injured. Be alert for potential choking hazards. More than one baby has tried to eat gelt without understanding the good smelling chocolate is wrapped in foil.
Flames are fascinating to babies and small children, too, and the menorah is especially captivating. Make sure it is out of reach, and don’t allow children to light the candles until they are self-aware enough to do it safely. One grandmother shared the story of her granddaughter’s hair catching on fire as she leaned over the menorah to reach for a gift.
If you can’t be with your grandchild for their first Hanukkah, don’t despair. Ask parents if you can join in via video chat, or to send pictures after the holiday. There will be many more chances to make special memories with your little miracle.