The holiday season is finally here! Different communities celebrate the holidays in different ways by practicing a bunch of different traditions. I love the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with the holidays, especially Hannukah and experiencing all the wonderful traditions that come with it. "The holidays are always a time where I feel super connected to my friends and family. We get to spend time together and give gifts to show how much we care. it's a time where everyone is happy and in good spirits," says Jenna Bloom. 

My school's Jewish Student Union also has a Hannukah Party, where we invite anyone who wants to come, Jewish or not, to join in on the festivities. We talk about Hannukah, eat latkes, decorate sufganiyot, and play dreidel. It's a fun way to bring our school together and spread Jewish traditions. 

During the holidays, my Temple does a coat drive. Members of the congregation bring in old or new winter essentials: hats, scarves, mittens, and coats, which are then all donated to this nonprofit called friendship place. It's an organization that provides homeless people with basic necessities, find jobs, and have a place to stay.

Every wintertime, to celebrate Hannukah, my chapter has a Hannukah themed program. We make latkes, eat sufganiyot, and do a gift exchange. It is a fun way for us to come together and celebrate Hannukah. It is one of my favorite programs to attend because everyone is full of happiness and love during the holiday season. Because of that, I feel most connected to my BBYO community. My chapter isn't the only one doing Hannukah programs, Maya Pollack from Ko'ach BBG #2529 recalls having a dance party and playing Hannukah trivia. 

Families celebrate all sorts of different traditions during Hannukah. Harper Dunn and her family play dreidel each night of Hannukah. Avi Gorodeski's family uses a real menorah and a little light-up singing menorah from when she was little. For Sophie Zinn, her family takes a more traditional route "My mom makes homemade latkes on the first night, and every night then we switch off which sibling gets to light the menorah." 

What makes the holiday season so meaningful is that everyone gets to celebrate them in their own way. There is no one way to celebrate it. As long as you have people around you who care about you the most, you are bound to have a good time.