Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!
Yesterday I spent more time in the kitchen than I did writing or editing, but it was so worth it. The house filled with the aroma of homemade jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot) and potato latkes — oh that heavenly mixture of fried onion, strawberry jam, and sugar covered dough … sigh. It’s almost enough to make this year feel no different from any other year.
Yeah. Almost.
Heaven!
My youngest was especially excited for Hanukkah this year. She created a countdown calendar and faithfully marked off the days, until the first night was finally finally FINALLY here.
So excited!
Most of my family gathered for a joyful evening lighting the menorah, opening presents, and spinning the dreidel. But we are under restrictions here in the Lower Mainland not to visit indoors with those outside our household, so one important person was missing. We celebrated with my mom via FaceTime. I’m so glad we have the technology to stay connected to those we love during this pandemic, and I’m ever so grateful that my loved ones are healthy and powering through these unprecedented times with only emotional bumps and scrapes. I know it’s so much worse for so many. We are not all on the same boat. My heart aches for those losing their lives, losing their loved ones, losing their jobs, losing their security …
2020 has been so dark. But the candles on our menorah glowed extra bright last night, as did the joy on my children’s faces. And though it was different this year, everyone I love most in this world was together — thanks to modern technology. I am grateful.
I wish the same for all of you. <3