Happy Hanukkah Poem by Ellen Ni Bheachain

It's that time of year again,
Festivities and holiday season is here,
For me it is Christmas,
For you it is Hanukkah,
So, I think of you,
And wish you Happy Festivities,

While I will start to get the Christmas tree ready,
You will polish up your Hanukkah brass Menorah,
Our tree representing from pagan times to Christians,
Your Hanukkah menorah representing the miracle,
When the oil in the lamp burnt for 8 days,
In the Holy Temple in Jerusalem,
When fighting to liberate the land back then,

While you will celebrate for 8 days,
Lighting a candle for each one of those nights,
Creating a festivity of lights,
Celebration and merriment,
And your home filled with family and joy,

Both of us will feast with tasty food on the table,
With special food and treats,
Latkes and Sufganiyot for you,
And mince pies and Christmas pudding for me,
All the special foods will be made,
As all indulge and enjoy themselves,

Presents for all,
Ours on Christmas morning,
Yours over an 8-day period,
Giving and receiving for both of us,
Celebrations and gatherings,
And the time to reflex,
With family reunions and fun for all,

My Christmas tree will light up,
In your house the Hanukkah menorah,
Sparkles with the candlelight,
Games will be played,
And I am sure you will play,
Dreidel, Dreidel spinning round,
With laughter from the young and old,

So, Happy Hanukkah old friend,
Enjoy your time of the year,
I will toast to you and hope you have,
A Very Happy Hanukkah,
And a Happy Prosperous New Year,
Thinking of you,
At this time of year.