Eight Nights, Eight Ways to Support Your Child During Hanukkah — Even in Two Homes

Hanukkah is a festive occasion celebrating light, resilience, and tradition. As discussed in our blog last week, holidays can be challenging for families managing two households, yet they also offer opportunities to showcase a united front to your children. The same principles apply to those observing Hanukkah, with the added benefit of more meaningful days to showcase small acts of kindness and cooperation.

At KBA Law, we believe that honoring a child’s traditions, whether religious, cultural, or personal, is essential to healthy co-parenting. These are key moments that your children will remember, and you can't replace them. If one of you is more religious or knowledgeable than the other on the holiday, don't worry, you don’t have to be an expert to support the children who celebrate it. Sometimes, the most meaningful gestures are simple ones.

Here are eight family-centered tips, inspired by the spirit of Hanukkah, to help co-parents create a warm and predictable holiday experience:

Night 1: Plan Together

Discuss schedules, candle-lighting times, gift exchanges, and travel. Reducing surprises helps reduce stress.

Night 2: Keep Routines Consistent

Children feel more grounded when bedtimes, mealtimes, and expectations stay familiar—even during celebrations.

Night 3: Share Traditions

If one parent has more knowledge of Hanukkah traditions, share information or simple resources so both homes can participate if they choose. Alternatively, if your family has historically split religious observances, work together so your children can celebrate with the parent who celebrates the holiday.

Night 4: Divide (or Coordinate) Gifts

To avoid duplicate gifts or uneven expectations, create a simple plan. Some parents alternate nights; others exchange lists.

Night 5: Celebrate the Child’s Identity

Whether the child is being raised in a Jewish or interfaith household, affirming their traditions helps them feel secure and valued.

Night 6: Keep Communication Open

If plans change, communicate early and clearly. Respect for each other’s time is a gift in itself.

Night 7: Reduce Holiday Stress

The season can be emotional. Allow space for the child to process feelings—joy, excitement, or even sadness.

Night 8: Focus on What the Holiday Represents

Kindness, cooperation, and light. Even small acts of flexibility or understanding can strengthen a child’s holiday experience.

Whether your family celebrates Hanukkah in one home or two, the magic of the holiday comes from connection, tradition, and the moments you share with your child. Co-parents don’t need to celebrate in the same way—they need to work together to ensure the child feels supported, included, and loved.

If you have questions about creating or modifying a holiday timesharing schedule, our team at KBA Law is here to help.

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