By Elizabeth Breyer Johnson
Come December, when dusk settles over the Queen City and porch lights flicker on, the Kunkes house begins to glow. Garlands wrapped in blue and gold ribbons bedeck the front door, massive inflatables decorate the front yard, bright menorahs gleam in the front windows, and from inside comes the hum of a family deep in Chanukah rhythm— music playing, glue sticks uncapped, laughter spilling from the kitchen table.
For Ellie and Glenn Kunkes and their daughters, Romy( 8) and Phoebe( 6), Hanukkah isn’ t a single ritual but a season of light they build together, one flicker at a time.
“ You see Christmas lights everywhere,” says Ellie, shredding pound upon pound of potatoes for the latkes she fries in the schmaltz stored in the freezer year-round.“ But I want our house lit up for Hanukkah too. It’ s important for my girls— and for our neighbors— to see our celebration shining just as brightly as the other lights across the city. We’ re a big arts-and-crafts family, so each year we try to create something new and festive to bring our Hanukkah to life in its own way.”
This year’ s project is a menorah made from recycled boxes, brightened with washi tape in every color and pattern imaginable. With all the holiday deliveries arriving this time of year, it’ s easy to find spare materials— and washi tape offers a really fun, inexpensive, mess-free way to transform humble cardboard into a multicolored masterpiece any child will be proud of. Washi Tape Menorah
Supplies
• Large rectangle of spare cardboard( we did 8” x 4”) and two small rectangles( about 2” x 1”)
• 9 wooden clothespins
• Washi tape( any color or pattern) is available online or at craft stores
• Yellow and / or orange construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
How To
1. Cover both sides of all your cardboard rectangles and one flat side of each clothespin with washi tape.
2. To make the menorah’ s base, cut two small slits on either side of the bottom edge of the large rectangle. Slide the smaller rectangles into the slits( perpendicularly) so the menorah can stand upright on a table.
3. The clothespins will be your“ candles.” Cut out small flame shapes from construction paper and glue one to the top of each clothespin.
4. Clip the clothespins along the top edge of your large rectangle, placing the shamash( helper candle) slightly higher than the others.
5. Voila! Your menorah is complete— colorful, handmade, and ready to go.
It’ s a quick afternoon project for all ages that turns the simplest materials into something luminous— and, as Ellie says,“ a reminder that beauty can come from the humblest of materials.”
A Conversation with the Kunkes Ladies
Ellie, how did this craft tradition begin? When the girls were little, I wanted them not just to celebrate Hanukkah with me, but to make it— to touch it, cook it, create it. What began as a simple afternoon of crafts became a lasting family ritual.
You’ re known for your outdoor decorations too?( Ellie laughs.) We go all out! Garlands with lights and ribbons, a wreath covered in every Hanukkah ornament I can find, and so many inflatables. Every year, I add a new one to the collection— last year it was a Hanukkah gingerbread house, and this year I have my eye on an eight-foot-tall Hanukkah-themed Nutcracker. You see Christmas lights on every street, and I want Jewish light in the mix, too!
Romy, what’ s your favorite part of Hanukkah?“ I love Hanukkah because of the latkes and sufganiyot— they’ re the best part!”
Phoebe, what about you?“ I like having all our friends over for my Mom’ s Hanukkah party!”
All in the Mishpachah celebrates the people, practices and traditions that make Jewish life in Charlotte so vibrant. Every family has a story— whether it’ s the way you mark the holidays, a weekly ritual that connects generations,
The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 9
All in the Mishpachah: Chanukah At Home with the Kunkes Family
or a creative tradition uniquely your own. If your family, friends, or community circle fits this spirit, please reach out to elizabeth. johnson @ jewishcharlotte. org with a brief note about your tradition.
We’ ll be in touch about featuring you in an upcoming issue.
Kunkes Family