I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock. “Beep beep. Beep beep.” I rolled over to my windowsill and slammed the snooze button. I checked the time. 7:00, time to get up for school. I rolled up my white curtain and looked out the window. My backyard was submerged in snow. No school today for sure. Yes!
“Nomi,” yelled my dad from the kitchen, “You have no school today.”
“I noticed.” I yelled back. That meant that I would be staying home to help my parents prepare for the first night of Hanukkah. That meant making guest lists for the other 7 nights, tons of cooking and decorating, and guessing this year’s present. I only get one, but my friends get 8, one for each night. I rolled out of bed and fell on my leaf-patterned carpet. While standing up, I noticed my brother was watching TV. The Phineas and Ferb Christmas special. Lately all that was on the TV was Christmas themed. I pulled on a pair of worn out jeans and my Star Wars t-shirt. “How can I help?” I asked my dad.
“First of all, clean your room, we are having the Rabinowitzes, Borensztajns
and the Dansingers over for dinner. Next, help in the kitchen and maybe go and shovel.” he paused, “Don't forget to decorate.”
“Okay Aba” I responded. I began to work.
~+~
Hours have passed. My room was cleaned, the driveway was shoveled (not by me of course). Now to plan the guest list for the rest of the holiday. After writing and erasing for quite a long time, I was done. All our family lives in Israel. I wish we could celebrate with them. Oh well.
Out of nowhere, came this loud irritating sound, the snowplows. At least that meant that traveling to the supermarket was possible. I dropped my list and ran to the living room. My little brother turned off the TV thinking I was our father. I laughed.
I walked over to my mom, who just finished cleaning the dining room table, and asked her“ When is Aba going to Whole Foods? I want to buy Hanukkah Gelt. They have the best chocolate.”
"He is leaving now.” She answered, “Go put on your coat and boots”. On went my big black winter coat and on went my soft snow boots. I raced down the stairs and hopped into the car while my dad was swiping off the snow from the car windows. He opened the door and sat in the front seat. Off we went. We bought all the supplies needed for tonight’s feast.
~+~
Setting the table was next on my list. Out came the napkins, plates, cups, and countless silverware. Buffet style was what I had in mind. I placed a pile of plates down on the tablecloth. Next to my plates I put a plastic cup filled with forks. Next to that went the knives spoons and cups. I arranged the napkins in a pile on the other side of the plates. Deep breath, I’m done for now. I strolled over to my brother’s room to watch him clean his room. Thankfully he was being helped because if he wasn't then the room wouldn't be clean on time. I returned to my room, and thought about the food.
Hanukkah In The United States
Realistic fiction written By: Nomi Lewkowicz